Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA

Address:	2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA
Phone:	+1 410-962-4290
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Ryan Fisk

Ended up visiting after a recommendation from the Baltimore Visitor Center, and am sure glad we did! This year marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812, and the historical significance of Fort McHenry. After entering the visitor center and paying the $7 fee, theres a great video focusing on the war of 1812, and how Francis Scott Key got his resulting inspiration in writing the Star Spangled Banner. The reenactment scenes were well-done, and flashing strobe lights in the theater room accompanied the cannon blasts on the screen. At the close of the video, as the Star Spangled Banner is masterfully sung, the video screen rises up, revealing the Flag of Fort McHenry beyond. As other reviewers have noted, this truly is a moving conclusion to the video. After heading up the hill to Fort McHenry itself, they were shooting blanks from the cannons near the entryway...I definitely felt my organs pulse on each blast! Once inside, there are several walk-in areas depicting military and residential life in Fort McHenry. The various rooms in the fort were augmented by motion sensor-activated speakers, providing entrants with guided information as they walk around the space. The park rangers there were very friendly, and we were lucky enough to catch a flag changing (they use smaller flags during storm-prone weather patterns). As others have noted, they gladly enlist the help of visitors to grab the flags perimeter while they lower it (remember parachute games in PE anyone?!) and fold it up into a bag for storage. There is definitely a lot of information to digest here, so if youre generally interested in this National Monument, youll want to set aside about two hours to see everything. For those relying on mass transit, theres a free Charms Circulator that services the entrance to Fort McHenry. Just board the "Banner Route" and get off at the last stop. You can easily get back off at Pratt St. & Light St. if returning to the Inner Harbor area.

Angie Castells

Una visita histórica muy interesante en Baltimore. Este fuerte jugó un papel muy importante en la defensa de la ciudad contra las tropas británicas en la guerra de 1814, y hoy en día está bien cuidado y acondicionado para los visitantes. Una recomendación es que, nada más entrar, te quedes a ver el vídeo que cuenta la historia de Fort McHenry y de cómo se compuso el himno americano. Es interesante y emotivo. Solo hay que pagar para entrar al edificio histórico y a las exposiciones, los jardines que lo rodean son gratuitos y también son muy agradables para un paseo junto al agua.

Jeff Means

My visit was late in the day so I was very surprised to find that they do a Flag Change in the evening and have the visitors help with said flag change. I was amused to help with the capture of the 15 star flag and then helping folding it after raising a smaller normal 52 star flag for the evening. For a great patriotic feeling arrive at Fort McHenry around 4:30pm to get your park entrance fees taken care of in time to find yourself in the fort proper for the flag changing ceremony around 5:00pm. This event will stick in my mind for quite a long time as I found this to be not only memorable but something that enhanced my feelings of well being toward the people in our military who have given the ultimate sacrifice under some of the worst conditions imaginable. so Im proud to be an American, in the land where I know Im free... Lets all find ways to remember those that came before us died to allow us the freedoms we enjoy today, and also remember that periodically the tree of freedom does need to be refreshed with the blood of martyrs periodically to maintain those freedoms we take for granted on a daily if not hourly basis.

David Raymond

Fort McHenry is a well preserved coastal fort which was constructed in the late 18th century for the purpose of defending the port city of Baltimore, Maryland. It is best known for its role in defending the city from a British attack during the War of 1812. It was during this battle that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem "The Defense of Fort McHenry" which eventually became our national anthem: "The Star Spangle Banner." Fort McHenry also served as a military prison during the American Civil War, a hospital during World War I, and as a coastal guard base during World War II. A new visitor center was recently constructed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. It houses a new museum, restrooms, and a gift shop. Reenactments are conducted at different intervals in and around the fort. You are able to access both inside and outside of the fort using designated walkways. Parking is plentiful and there is a small fee to enter the fort...but it is well worth it. I would recommend allotting at least 2-3 hours for your visit.

Zimmerman DZB

Excellent experience, what beautiful grounds and a LOT of history. A fair disclaimer, some of the history accounted of the War of 1812 is more then a little bit one sided and narrow. There is little mention of Americas endeavors for Upper Canada, nor any real mention of the American campaigns against Tecumseh and the (failed) Indian Federation. Suffice to say that Americas War of 1812 was not entirely a war in defense of Americas rights. That said, this was an incredible visit. The grounds have been beautifully manicured and you have pretty much free roam of the whole Fort which is quite picturesque. Numerous demonstrations and presentations throughout the day, a very nice theater inside the Visitors Center, impressive cannon displays all around the grounds, and some great archeological finds. The whole park really captures a feel of what it might have been like during the War of 1812 as well as during the roundup of Confederate sympathizers during the Civil War (which is a little more fairly treated). Lots of information. Take a few hours to wader

Michael Sheehe

Standing in the place that inspired the creation of our National Anthem is something you don’t want to miss. Fort McHenry is well maintained and offers spectacular views across the river. There are many buildings and structures scattered along the grounds that give you an idea of how the soldiers lived, worked, and defended this fort. I would highly recommend the flag raising ceremony when you visit. The size of the flag is so big, they can’t even put it up during high winds or it will tear down the flag pole. The park guides who present the flag ceremony are entertaining, educational, and really seem to enjoy what they’re doing. There was a large group and everyone was attentive to what the guide was presenting. Getting to the park is an adventure in city driving, going through industrial areas, I-95 fun, route not marked the best, and getting to see some seedy sides of Baltimore. However, once you’re inside Fort McHenry it seems safe and secure. Fort McHenry is definitely worth the visit to see the birthplace of our National Anthem.

Kate G

Great experience at one of our nations historical sites. Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner about the flag flying over Fort McHenry after the British attacked in 1814. Park guides were all knowledgeable and made learning fun. Their guided tour gave additional info not found on displays around the site and were very eager to answer questions. The demonstrations (flag raising, musket firing) gave another view into how the fort would have functioned. The intro video inside the visitors center was a great introduction to the war and what led Key to write the song that would become Americas National Anthem. Make sure to read the history of the fort after the War of 1812 as well. I found it very interesting how its use changed over time up through WWII. The park has free parking but is also accessible by bus (Banner Route on the Circulator) and by water taxi. After you visit Fort McHenry, consider visiting the Smithsonian Museum of American History where you can see the actual flag that was flown over the fort in 1814!