Fort McHenry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort McHenry National Monumentand Historic Shrine |
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| Location | 2400 East Fort Avenue Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Area | 43.26 acres (17.51 ha) |
| Visitors | 635,736 (in 2018) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Designated | August 11, 1939 |
| Designated | October 15, 1966 |
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Invalid designation
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| Designated | 1986 |
Fort McHenry is a famous historic fort in Baltimore, Maryland. It's known for its important role in the War of 1812. The fort successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from a powerful attack by the British navy in September 1814.
The fort was built in 1798. It was used by the U.S. military through World War I and by the United States Coast Guard in World War II. In 1925, it became a national park. Later, in 1939, it was named a U.S. National Monument.
During the War of 1812, a smaller American flag flew over Fort McHenry. After the British attack, a much larger American flag was raised. This big flag showed that America had won the Battle of Baltimore.
Seeing this flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem. This poem later became the song "The Star-Spangled Banner". Today, this song is the national anthem of the United States.
Contents
History of Fort McHenry
Building the Fort (18th Century)
Fort McHenry was built where an older fort, Fort Whetstone, once stood. Fort Whetstone protected Baltimore from 1776 to 1797. The new fort was needed to better defend the growing Port of Baltimore.
A French designer named Jean Foncin created the fort in 1798. It was built between 1798 and 1800. The fort was shaped like a five-pointed star, called a pentagon. It had a dry ditch, or moat, around it. This moat would help protect the fort from attacks on land.
Fort McHenry was named after James McHenry. He was an important American statesman. He helped write the United States Constitution. He also served as the United States Secretary of War under Presidents George Washington and John Adams.
Key Events in the 19th Century
The War of 1812 Battle
On September 13, 1814, British warships began attacking Fort McHenry. They fired cannons and rockets for 25 hours straight. The American soldiers inside the fort fired back.
The British ships could not get close to Baltimore Harbor. This was because of defenses like a chain of sunken ships. The British weapons also weren't very accurate from far away. After a long bombardment, the British ran out of ammunition. They stopped their attack on September 14.
The Americans, led by Major George Armistead, successfully defended the fort. Only a few American soldiers were killed or wounded. The British failed to capture Baltimore.
The Star-Spangled Banner Story
A lawyer named Francis Scott Key was in Baltimore during the attack. He was on a ship nearby, trying to arrange a prisoner release. He watched the battle unfold.
Before the attack, a huge American flag had been sewn by Mary Pickersgill. This flag was meant to fly over the fort. When the sun rose on September 14, Key saw the large flag still flying. He was so moved by this sight that he started writing a poem.
This poem was first called "Defence of Fort M'Henry." It was later set to music and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner." It became the national anthem of the United States.
Fort McHenry During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Fort McHenry was used as a military prison. It held Confederate soldiers. It also held many Maryland political leaders who disagreed with President Abraham Lincoln.
Some of these prisoners included the mayor of Baltimore and city council members. Francis Scott Key's grandson, Francis Key Howard, was also held there. You can still visit some of the old prison cells at the fort today. The fort also trained artillery soldiers during this time.
In 1861, a man named John Merryman was arrested and held at Fort McHenry. He had destroyed bridges to stop Union troops. A judge ordered that Merryman be brought to court. However, the fort's commander refused, saying he was following President Lincoln's orders. Lincoln had suspended the right of habeas corpus, which usually protects people from being held without trial.
Fort McHenry in the 20th Century
World War I and II Roles
During World War I, many buildings were added around the fort. It became a large U.S. Army hospital. It treated soldiers returning from Europe. These buildings are no longer there. The original fort has been restored to how it looked during the War of 1812.
In World War II, Fort McHenry became a United States Coast Guard base. It was used for training. Even then, the historic parts of the fort remained open to the public.
Becoming a National Monument
Fort McHenry became a national park in 1925. On August 11, 1939, it was given a special title: "National Monument and Historic Shrine." It's the only place in the U.S. with both these titles.
It's a tradition that when a new U.S. flag design is made, it first flies over Fort McHenry. The first official 49- and 50-star American flags flew here. They are still kept at the fort.
Fort McHenry Today
Today, Fort McHenry is a popular place for locals and tourists. Thousands of people visit each year to see where the Star-Spangled Banner was inspired. You can easily get there by water taxi from Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Archaeologists have found old items at the fort. These artifacts are shown in exhibits at the fort's Visitor Center. These exhibits teach visitors about the fort's long history.
Every September, Baltimore celebrates "Defenders Day." This event honors the Battle of Baltimore. It's the biggest celebration at the fort, with special programs, events, and fireworks.
In 2005, a group of volunteers called the Fort McHenry Guard won an award. They are known for being the best volunteer unit for the National Park Service.
The original Star-Spangled Banner flag is very old and fragile. After being carefully restored, it is now on display at the National Museum of American History.
In 2013, Fort McHenry was honored with its own quarter coin. This was part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.
In 2014, Fort McHenry celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner. This event was called the Star-Spangled Spectacular. It included a parade of tall ships, fireworks, and a show by the Navy's Blue Angels.
Restoration work began in 2015 to preserve the fort's original brick. This work helps keep the historic structure strong.
In August 2020, Vice President Mike Pence gave a speech at Fort McHenry. This happened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gallery
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Historical re-enactment at Fort McHenry
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The main entrance, called the sally port, into Fort McHenry.
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A monument of Orpheus near Fort McHenry. It honors the soldiers and Francis Scott Key.
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Fort McHenry
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A map of Fort McHenry.
See also
In Spanish: Fuerte McHenry para niños
