Fort McHenry
Joey Kim - Period 3 - Anderson
Aerial View of Fort McHenry
Line Map of Fort McHenry
View of front entrance and banner
Description of Place
History of Place
During the war of 1812, the fort’s garrison stood firm during a severe naval bombardment by British forces. The successful defence of the fort saved the city of Baltimore and raised American morale. Following the Revolutionary war, Fort McHenry was one of the first forts built. It served as primary guardian of Baltimore’s harbour for more than a century.
During the Civil War, the fort was instrumental in securing Baltimore for the Union cause. From 1917 to 1923, the fort served as U.S. Army General Hospital #2. Around 30,000 wounded veterans received medical care there. During World War II, the fort served as a U.S. Coast Guard training facility.Importance of Place
Fact 1 The fort's role in the War of 1812
Fact 2 The fort's role in the America Civil War
The fort functioned as a prison for suspected Union-sympathetic Marylanders during the Civil War. These prisoners were given one blanket, but received no bedding, eating utensils, and other basics of life. The meals consisted primarily of hardtack, a bland cracker made from flour and water. Because of the role the fort played, it was called “The Baltimore Bastille”. The capture of the fort was important to bring the Union fighters towards victory.