Fort McHenry, Baltimore Photos

Fort McHenry guards the narrow passage between the outer & inner harbors of Baltimore. During the War of 1812, the British fleet attempted to capture Baltimore & spent the night of Sept. 13-14, 1814 shelling the fort. The large American flag over the fort gave witness at dawn that the fort was still under American control & witness Francis Scott Key went on to write the Star Spangled Banner which would become the American National Anthem. Today the fort is operated as a national shrine by the National Parks Service. When weather permits the largest American flag (of 1814 design) flies overhead. The site offers good views of ship traffic on the Patapsco River.

See also: Maryland
Click photo to enlarge.
Replica of the gigantic American flag which inspired the writing of the Star Spangled Banner.

American flag over Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner during the War of 1812.

Visitors participate in flag ceremony run by National Parks service at Fort McHenry.

Fort McHenry played a key role in preventing the British from capturing Baltimore on Sept. 13-14, 1814.

Smaller version of American flag which flies over Fort McHenry when conditions are not ideal for largest flag.

Barracks yard of Fort McHenry.

Barracks of Fort McHenry.

Barracks interior as used in 1812 of Fort McHenry.

Gun rack in barracks from 1812 era of Fort McHenry.

5th Maryland Militia hat worn in 1812 at Baltimore's Battle of North Point.

Row of 1812-era cannon at Fort McHenry.

Civil war era cannon at Fort McHenry.

Cannon guarding channel entrance to inner Baltimore harbor.

Cannon facing ships in outer Baltimore harbor.

All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Jim Steinhart.
All rights reserved. Permission required to use.