F
8-inch Rodman guns at Fort McHenry Maryland

Fort Mchenry National Monument And Historic Shrine

Baltimore, United States Of America

Visiting Fort McHenry: History, Tickets, and Tips

Date: 18/07/2024

Introduction

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine stands as a testament to American resilience and patriotism, deeply woven into the fabric of the nation’s history. Situated at the entrance of Baltimore’s harbor, Fort McHenry was originally constructed in 1794 and named after James McHenry, a prominent physician and politician who served as Secretary of War under President George Washington (Encyclopedia Britannica). The fort is most renowned for its pivotal role during the War of 1812 when it successfully defended Baltimore from British forces during a 25-hour bombardment on September 13-14, 1814. This event inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the poem ‘Defence of Fort McHenry,’ which later became the lyrics to ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ the national anthem of the United States (Library of Congress).

Beyond its historical significance, Fort McHenry serves as a symbol of American perseverance and freedom. It has continued to play a vital role in U.S. military history, serving as a prison during the Civil War and as a Coast Guard base during both World Wars. Today, it is preserved as a National Monument and Historic Shrine, offering visitors a profound connection to the past and a glimpse into the events that shaped the nation (National Park Service).

Table of Contents

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Fort McHenry - History, Tickets, and More

Fort McHenry’s story is deeply intertwined with the very birth of the United States and its national anthem.

Early Years and Construction

  • 1776 - The initial fortification on Whetstone Point, a strategic location guarding the Baltimore harbor, was a small, five-sided earthwork battery named Fort Whetstone (National Park Service).
  • 1794 - Recognizing the need for stronger defenses, the construction of a new, more formidable fort began. Designed by French military engineer Jean Foncin, the star-shaped Fort McHenry was completed in 1803 (Maryland Historical Society).
  • Naming the Fort - The fort was named in honor of James McHenry, a Scotsman who immigrated to America and became a prominent physician and politician. McHenry served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, signed the U.S. Constitution, and later became the Secretary of War under President George Washington (Encyclopedia Britannica).

The War of 1812 and the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’

  • 1812-1815 - The War of 1812 marked a pivotal moment in Fort McHenry’s history. In September 1814, British forces, fresh from their victory in Washington, D.C., set their sights on Baltimore (The War of 1812 Magazine).
  • The Bombardment - On September 13-14, 1814, the British Navy unleashed a relentless bombardment on Fort McHenry, raining down over 1,500 bombs and rockets. The defenders, under the command of Major George Armistead, valiantly withstood the 25-hour siege (Smithsonian Magazine).
  • “The Star-Spangled Banner” - Witnessing the bombardment from a nearby truce ship was Francis Scott Key, a young lawyer. As dawn broke on September 14th, Key was overcome with emotion upon seeing the large American flag, sewn by Mary Pickersgill, still flying triumphantly over the fort. This experience inspired him to pen the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry,” which later became the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States (Library of Congress).

Post-War Years and Evolution

  • 19th Century - Following the War of 1812, Fort McHenry continued to serve as an active military installation. It underwent several modifications and expansions to accommodate evolving military technology and strategies. During the Civil War, the fort was used as a prison for Confederate sympathizers and soldiers (National Park Service).
  • 20th Century - In the early 20th century, Fort McHenry played a role in both World Wars I and II, serving as a Coast Guard base and a training center. It was also used as a hospital during the 1918 influenza pandemic (Baltimore Sun).

Visitor Information

  • Visiting Hours - Fort McHenry is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it’s always best to check the official website for any changes or special holiday hours (National Park Service).
  • Tickets - Entrance fees are $15 per adult. Children under 15 get in free. Annual passes and group rates are also available (National Park Service).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

  • Travel Tips - Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot. Bring water, especially during summer months. Don’t forget your camera for some great photographic spots!
  • Nearby Attractions - While in Baltimore, don’t miss the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and the historic ships in the Inner Harbor (Visit Baltimore).

Accessibility

Fort McHenry is committed to providing access to all visitors. The Visitor and Education Center, restrooms, and most exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are welcome (National Park Service).

Special Events and Guided Tours

  • Special Events - Throughout the year, Fort McHenry hosts various events such as military reenactments, flag ceremonies, and educational programs. Check the official website for an event calendar (National Park Service).
  • Guided Tours - Ranger-led tours are available and provide an in-depth look at the history of the fort. Self-guided tours are also an option with detailed brochures available at the Visitor Center (National Park Service).

Photographic Spots

Some of the best spots for photography include the ramparts, the large flagpole with the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and the panoramic views of Baltimore’s harbor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is parking available at Fort McHenry?

A: Yes, there is ample parking available on-site for visitors.

Q: What are the best times to visit Fort McHenry?

A: Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to visit.

Q: Are there any restaurants or cafes at Fort McHenry?

A: There are no dining facilities within the fort itself, but there are plenty of options nearby in Baltimore.

Conclusion

Visiting Fort McHenry offers a unique opportunity to connect with a defining chapter in American history. It’s a place where the echoes of battle blend with the stirring melody of the national anthem, reminding us of the enduring spirit of freedom and the sacrifices made to protect it. Plan your visit today by checking the official Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine website. Follow us on social media for updates and upcoming events!

References

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Baltimore

American Visionary Art Museum
American Visionary Art Museum
Arch Social Club
Arch Social Club
Babe Ruth Birthplace And Museum
Babe Ruth Birthplace And Museum
Baltimore Arena
Baltimore Arena
Baltimore Arena Station
Baltimore Arena Station
Baltimore City Archives
Baltimore City Archives
Baltimore City Hall
Baltimore City Hall
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore Museum Of Art
Baltimore Museum Of Art
Baltimore Museum Of Industry
Baltimore Museum Of Industry
Baltimore National Cemetery
Baltimore National Cemetery
Baltimore Penn Station
Baltimore Penn Station
Baltimore Streetcar Museum
Baltimore Streetcar Museum
Baltimore World Trade Center
Baltimore World Trade Center
Bank Of America Building
Bank Of America Building
Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Battle Monument
Battle Monument
|
  B'Nai Israel Synagogue
| B'Nai Israel Synagogue
B&O Railroad Museum
B&O Railroad Museum
Bohemian National Cemetery
Bohemian National Cemetery
Bolton Hill
Bolton Hill
Business And Government Historic District
Business And Government Historic District
Butchers Hill
Butchers Hill
Camden Station
Camden Station
Carroll Park
Carroll Park
Cathedral Hill Historic District
Cathedral Hill Historic District
Center Stage
Center Stage
Centre Theatre
Centre Theatre
Church Home And Hospital
Church Home And Hospital
Clifton Park
Clifton Park
Coppin State University
Coppin State University
Creative Alliance
Creative Alliance
Cylburn Arboretum
Cylburn Arboretum
Dickeyville Historic District
Dickeyville Historic District
Edgar Allan Poe House And Museum
Edgar Allan Poe House And Museum
|
  Edgar Allan Poe'S Grave
| Edgar Allan Poe'S Grave
Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower
Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower
Evergreen Museum & Library
Evergreen Museum & Library
Everyman Theatre
Everyman Theatre
Fallsway Fountain
Fallsway Fountain
Federal Hill Park
Federal Hill Park
|
  Fell'S Point
| Fell'S Point
Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum
Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum
Fort Armistead
Fort Armistead
Fort Mchenry
Fort Mchenry
Fort Mchenry National Monument And Historic Shrine
Fort Mchenry National Monument And Historic Shrine
Francis Scott Key Bridge
Francis Scott Key Bridge
Franklin Square Historic District
Franklin Square Historic District
Frederick Douglass High School
Frederick Douglass High School
George Peabody Library
George Peabody Library
Grace Medical Center
Grace Medical Center
Green Mount Cemetery
Green Mount Cemetery
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Hamburg Street Station
Hamburg Street Station
Hampton National Historic Site
Hampton National Historic Site
Harborplace
Harborplace
Hippodrome Theatre
Hippodrome Theatre
Historic Ships In Baltimore
Historic Ships In Baltimore
Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church
Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church
Homewood Campus
Homewood Campus
Homewood Museum
Homewood Museum
Inner Harbor
Inner Harbor
James Lawrence Kernan Hospital
James Lawrence Kernan Hospital
Jewish Museum Of Maryland
Jewish Museum Of Maryland
John Eager Howard Monument
John Eager Howard Monument
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine
Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Lexington Market
Lexington Market
Loudon Park Cemetery
Loudon Park Cemetery
Lyric Performing Arts Center
Lyric Performing Arts Center
Maryland Center For History And Culture
Maryland Center For History And Culture
Maryland General Hospital
Maryland General Hospital
Maryland Line Monument
Maryland Line Monument
Maryland Science Center
Maryland Science Center
Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
Mercy Medical Center (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mercy Medical Center (Baltimore, Maryland)
Morgan State University
Morgan State University
M&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium
Mt. Royal/Mica Station
Mt. Royal/Mica Station
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
National Alliance On Mental Illness
National Alliance On Mental Illness
National Aquarium
National Aquarium
National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
National Katyń Memorial
National Katyń Memorial
National Museum Of Dentistry
National Museum Of Dentistry
National Slavic Museum
National Slavic Museum
Notre Dame Of Maryland University
Notre Dame Of Maryland University
Oriole Park At Camden Yards
Oriole Park At Camden Yards
Patterson Park
Patterson Park
Peale Museum
Peale Museum
Phoenix Shot Tower
Phoenix Shot Tower
Port Discovery
Port Discovery
Port Of Baltimore
Port Of Baltimore
Provident Hospital
Provident Hospital
Queensbury Playground
Queensbury Playground
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
Radecke Playfield
Radecke Playfield
Rash Field
Rash Field
Reginald F. Lewis Museum Of Maryland African American History & Culture
Reginald F. Lewis Museum Of Maryland African American History & Culture
Reitz Arena
Reitz Arena
Ridgelys Delight Historic District
Ridgelys Delight Historic District
Riverside Park
Riverside Park
Roland Park
Roland Park
Royal Theatre
Royal Theatre
Schenley Recreation Center
Schenley Recreation Center
Seven Foot Knoll Light
Seven Foot Knoll Light
Sinai Hospital
Sinai Hospital
Ss John W. Brown
Ss John W. Brown
St. Agnes Hospital
St. Agnes Hospital
|
  St. Mary'S Seminary And University
| St. Mary'S Seminary And University
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
State Center
State Center
Swann Park
Swann Park
Sydenham Hospital For Communicable Diseases
Sydenham Hospital For Communicable Diseases
The Maryland Zoo
The Maryland Zoo
Towanda Recreation Center
Towanda Recreation Center
Traci Atkins Park
Traci Atkins Park
Transamerica Tower
Transamerica Tower
Union Square-Hollins Market Historic District
Union Square-Hollins Market Historic District
United States Coast Guard Yard
United States Coast Guard Yard
University Of Baltimore
University Of Baltimore
University Of Maryland, Baltimore
University Of Maryland, Baltimore
University Of Maryland Medical Center
University Of Maryland Medical Center
University Of Maryland Medical System
University Of Maryland Medical System
Uplands Park
Uplands Park
Uscgc Taney
Uscgc Taney
Uss Constellation
Uss Constellation
Uss Torsk
Uss Torsk
Walter J Dewees Recreation Center
Walter J Dewees Recreation Center
Walter P Carter Center
Walter P Carter Center
Walters Art Museum
Walters Art Museum
Washington Monument
Washington Monument
West Baltimore
West Baltimore
Western Run Park
Western Run Park
William Donald Schaefer Building
William Donald Schaefer Building
Wyman Park
Wyman Park
Zion Lutheran Church
Zion Lutheran Church