Failing to visit Fort McHenry while travelling through Baltimore is not only un-American, but an abusive gesture towards the nobility of all of humanity! For, it was here that during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was detained aboard a U.S. truce ship and witnessed the enormous American flag still gallantly waving above the Fort as the British fleet retreated from the Harbor. And, deeply inspired by those 'broad stripes and bright stars,' Key penned for our great nation a famous poem called 'The Defense of Fort McHenry.' Not long after its publication, the poem's opening verses would be sung to the tune of 'To Anacreon in Heaven,' and thus was born our National Anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'
During the British bombardment, which is known as the Battle of Baltimore, the Fort was defended primarily by cannon -- firing 18-24, and 36-pound solid-iron cannonballs. Several of the cannons still stand along the Fort's ravelin and bastions. Also, inside the Visitor's Center are genuine artifacts from the battle, including an actual British cannonball that failed to explode upon impact with the Fort. After the War of 1812, Fort McHenry would remain a military post for a hundred years.
During the Civil War, it was occupied by Union forces who turned it into a prison camp for the incarceration of Confederate soldiers and southern allies. Visitors can still get a firsthand look at the eerie underground cells. From 1917 to 1923, the Fort served as the healing grounds for World War I troops as it was home to the U.S. Army General Hospital No. 2. And after WWI, a portion of the park was used as a U.S. Coast Guard training facility as late as World War II.
The Fort itself is a fascinating sight. Its star-like shape and towering American flag mark the southern edge of the Inner Harbor. Not to mention that, standing atop the Fort's bastions, looking out over the cerulean water, one can almost hear the cannon blasts and the whistles of the projectiles with streams of smoke tailing off at British warships that once swarmed the solemn Chesapeake. Inside the Fort's barracks are more displays offering a look at authentic battle uniforms and weaponry, as well as other interesting artifacts. All the while an intercom narration paints an historical picture of each specific room.
Fort McHenry is without a doubt one of Baltimore's greatest attractions. Visitors to the City should definitely fit this National Monument into their schedules. Getting to Fort McHenry: there are shuttles available through water taxis (seasonal); otherwise, the best means of reaching the Fort is by private vehicle. The route can be easily mapped out from the central Harbor, or just follow Key Highway heading south and follow the signs.
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