Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Civil War Prison, War of 1812 inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner

Fort McHenry Click to enlarge. Photo from www.nps.gov/fomc/.

2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21230-5393
United States
(410) 962-4290

On This Very Spot, beginning at dusk, September 13, 1814, British warships continuously bombarded the fort for 25 hours under heavy rain. When Francis Scott Key saw the raising of an over sized American Flag the next morning from a British Warship, he was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner.

On This Very Spot in 1861, when President Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus, 31 members of the Maryland legislature were imprisoned here to keep the state from seceding from the Union and joining the Confederacy.

On This Very Spot over 15,000 Confederate Prisoners of War were held.

On This Very Spot is the nation's largest display of 15-inch Rodman coastal guns may be seen at the fort.

See other Forts, Civil War Museums, Military Memorials and Military Museums.

Submitted By:  David Allison

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This spot is a National Monument and Historic Shrine administered by the National Park Service (USA). For complete visitor's information, including hours of operation, admission fees, and map & directions, visit the official website at www.nps.gov/fomc.

Condition: preserved

Public Access: Admission fees: adults $5.00, children under sixteen free.
Handicapped accessible

Parking: available

Amenities: Exhibits and computer database of the 15,000 confederate prisoners, restrooms, gift shop, museum, tours.

Location: Central Atlantic Coast, US

Directions: From I-95 take exit 55 (Key Highway/McComas Street). Follow posted Fort McHenry to on Key Highway to Lawrence Street; turn left on Lawrence Street and left on Fort Avenue. Proceed 1 mile to the park.

Hours: Daily 8:00am-5:00pm; call for extended summer hours.