Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Maryland
Fort McHenry is a historic pentagonal bastion fort located in Baltimore, Maryland, renowned for its pivotal role in the War of 1812. Constructed between 1798 and 1800 to defend Baltimore Harbor, the fort successfully repelled a 25-hour British naval bombardment on September 13–14, 1814. This defense ensured American control of the harbor and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the poem that became the lyrics to the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." The fort's design includes a dry moat and bastions allowing crossfire defense against land attacks. Named after James McHenry, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and Secretary of War, Fort McHenry served continuously in U.S. military defense through World War I and was used by the Coast Guard during World War II. Designated a national park in 1925 and later a National Monument, the site preserves a rich military and cultural heritage. Its grounds also host seasonal natural displays such as cherry blossoms and offer ranger-led programs that interpret its history from the War of 1812 through modern times.
Planen Sie Ihre Reise nach Vereinigte Staaten mit KI
Erstellen Sie in wenigen Minuten einen detaillierten Reiseplan. KI schlägt die besten Orte, Restaurants und eine optimierte Route vor.
Tipp: Visit during spring for peak cherry blossom blooms, one of the park's busiest and most scenic times. Purchase tickets or passes in advance to avoid wait times. Ranger programs and educational camps are available seasonally, enhancing visitor experience. Check the official website for current conditions and alerts before your visit.
Interessante Fakten
- •The large American flag flown over Fort McHenry during the 1814 bombardment measured 30 by 42 feet and signaled American victory.
- •During the British attack, a bomb penetrated the fort's powder magazine but failed to explode, likely due to rain or a dud fuse.
- •The fort’s defense included a chain of 22 sunken ships blocking British naval access to Baltimore Harbor.
- •Private William Williams, an African American soldier, was among the wounded defenders of the fort.
- •The sight of the fort’s flag inspired Francis Scott Key’s poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which became the lyrics of the U.S. national anthem.
Geschichte
Fort McHenry was built from 1798 to 1800 on the site of the earlier Fort Whetstone to strengthen Baltimore’s coastal defenses.
It was named after James McHenry, a Maryland statesman and Secretary of War.
The fort is best known for its role in the War of 1812 when it withstood a 25-hour bombardment by the British Royal Navy in September 1814, protecting Baltimore Harbor.
This event inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the U.S.
national anthem.
The fort remained in military use through World War I and was later used by the Coast Guard during World War II.
It was declared a national park in 1925 and redesignated a National Monument in 1939.
Ortsführer
Main Bastions and Walls1798-1800
The fort’s pentagonal bastions provided strategic points for crossfire defense against land and naval attacks. Visitors can explore the dry moat and walls to understand 18th-century military architecture.
Flagpole and Parade Ground1814
The site where the famous star-spangled banner was raised after the bombardment, symbolizing American resilience and victory.
Visitor Center and Museum Exhibits
Features displays on the War of 1812, the fort’s history, and its role in American military defense, including artifacts, uniforms, and interactive exhibits.
Kontakt
Telefon: (410) 962-4290
