Fort McHenry, Historic star fort in Baltimore, United States
Fort McHenry is a pentagonal bastion fort on Locust Point, built of brick and surrounded by a dry moat. A long red masonry wall topped by a sloping green earthwork runs along the ramparts, with a brick gatehouse pierced by a single arch and a metal stairway climbing the wall. An American flag flies from a tall pole above the defenses.
During the War of 1812, this fortification withstood a 25-hour British naval bombardment on September 13 and 14 in 1814, successfully protecting Baltimore harbor. The defense prevented British forces from advancing into the city.
Francis Scott Key wrote the words to the national anthem after watching the American flag continue flying over this fortification following the battle. The text came to him while he observed from a ship offshore, seeing the flag still in place.
The star-shaped fort sits on Locust Point at the mouth of Baltimore Harbor, and the ramparts, dry moat and inner buildings are reached on foot from the entrance gate. Some Civil War prison cells inside the walls can be visited. The site is exposed to weather off the water, so allow time to walk the full circuit of the bastions.
The original garrison flag measured about 30 by 42 feet (9 by 13 meters) and required multiple people to raise and lower it. Today it rests in the Museum of American History in Washington, showing clear signs of age.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,356 contributors worldwide.
