Fort Howard

Fort Howard is a military fort located at the mouth of the Patapsco River in Baltimore County, Maryland. The site contains stone fortifications, gun emplacements, and defensive structures oriented toward the Chesapeake Bay.

Built in 1814 during the War of 1812, this fort was designed to defend Baltimore Harbor from British naval forces. It served as a critical defensive position when enemy ships threatened the city multiple times during that conflict.

This fort represents how Americans built military defenses along their coast and trained soldiers to protect their ports. The structures reflect the construction methods and defensive thinking of the early 19th century.

The grounds feature walking paths and interpretive signs that explain the military structures and coastal defense systems. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the fortifications and terrain involves considerable walking.

The fort includes underground storage chambers and tunnels that connected different defensive positions, allowing soldiers to move safely during potential attacks. These hidden passages remain a fascinating reminder of the military engineering from that era.

Location: Fort Howard

GPS coordinates: 39.19833,-76.44361

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54