- Type
- Fortress
- Built
- 1798 · 18th century
- Location
- Maryland, United States
- Coordinates
- 39.2633°, -76.5800°
History
The five-pointed star fort was built around the turn of the 19th century on a point guarding Baltimore harbour and named after the then Secretary of War, James McHenry. In September 1814, during the War of 1812, the British fleet bombarded the fort for about a day, but Major George Armistead's garrison refused to give in. The sight of a huge flag still flying over the fort at dawn moved the lawyer Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner. During the Civil War the fort served as a prison, and in the First World War as an army hospital. Since 1939 it has been a national monument and historic shrine.
What to see
Within the star-shaped ramparts you can explore restored barracks, the commander's quarters, a powder magazine and Civil War-era prison cells. Historic cannons line the bastions, and a replica of the 15-star flag of 1814 flies overhead, raised and lowered ceremonially by park rangers. The visitor centre shows a film about the battle, and a waterfront path offers views across Baltimore harbour.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q1438634
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