Fort Carroll

Fort Carroll is a six-sided military installation on a manmade island in the Patapsco River, built with thick masonry walls and several gun platforms. The island covers roughly 3.4 acres and sits between the mouth of the river and the city of Baltimore.

Construction began in 1847 under the supervision of Robert E. Lee to strengthen harbor defenses beyond Fort McHenry. The installation lost its military role after the Civil War and was eventually abandoned in the mid-20th century.

The structure carries the name of Charles Carroll from Carrollton, one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence representing Maryland. His family held an important place in the early days of the state and left their mark across the Baltimore region.

The abandoned installation is not open to the public, but visitors can view its outer structure from boats traveling through the Patapsco River. Charter boats and private tour operators in the area sometimes offer trips along the river that pass close to the island.

A lighthouse stood on the walls from 1853 to 1945 and guided ships through Baltimore Harbor. During the active years of the fort, soldiers and lighthouse keepers shared the small island and lived side by side in the middle of the river.

Location: Baltimore County

GPS coordinates: 39.21460,-76.51920

Latest update: December 20, 2025 16:20