Fort McHenry

https://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_McHenry Fort McHenry is a historical American coastal pentagonal bastion fort located in the Locust Point neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. It is best known for its role in the War of 1812, when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy from the Chesapeake Bay on September 13–14, 1814. During the War of 1812 an American storm flag, 17 by 25 feet (5.2 m × 7.6 m), was flown over Fort McHenry during the bombardment. It was replaced early on the morning of September 14, 1814 with a larger American garrison flag, 30 by 42 feet (9.1 m × 12.8 m). The larger flag signaled American victory over the British in the Battle of Baltimore. The sight of the ensign inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry" that was later set to the tune "To Anacreon in Heaven" and became known as "The Star Spangled Banner", the national anthem of the United States. by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming...over Fort McHenry! The valiant defense of the fort during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the U.S. national anthem. The fort's history holds many other stories too, from the Civil War to WWII. The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. Follow the brown Fort McHenry directional signs along all major routes to the park. From I-95 northbound, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Visitor Center The Fort McHenry Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 am - 4:45 pm. Inside the visitor center is an introductory museum, a movie (plays every 30 minutes), the park bookstore, restrooms, and water bottle filling station. The visitor center and museum are free to visit. Visitors interested in purchasing entrance passes to the Star Fort Historic Zone or an America the Beautiful pass can do so here. The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. Follow the brown Fort McHenry directional signs along all major routes to the park. From I-95 northbound, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs. Once inside the park gates follow the park road to the main parking lot. The visitor center is located directly adjacent of the main parking lot. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Fort McHenry Blue Angels fly over Fort McHenry Fort McHenry’s Ranger Paul Plamann Celebrates 50 Years of Service After completing his service in the U.S. Army in 1967, Paul Plamann noticed a job listing at Fort McHenry in his hometown of Baltimore. Upon applying he was asked “do you know how to operate a film projector?” To this, he answered “yes” and so began a 50-year career as a ranger in the National Park Service. Two photos together. A younger Paul in ranger uniform and an older Paul in a period costume. Fort McHenry’s Volunteers Bring the Home of the Brave to Life On April 1st as part of a Baltimore’s Light City Festival, Fort McHenry NMHS hosted an evening tour of the old Star Fort. By candlelight volunteers guided over 200 visitors through 170 years of history interpreting Fort McHenry’s role as the “sentinel of the harbor.” Rangers pose with men and women in period costumes. PARKS...IN...SPAAAACE!!! NASA astronauts have quite literally an out-of-this-world view of national parks and take some pretty stellar pictures to share. Travel along with the space station on its journey west to east getting the extreme bird’s eye view of national parks across the country. And one more down-to-earth. View of Denali National Park & Preserve from space The Border States The existence of divided populations in Border States had a profound impact on Union and Confederate strategy-both political and military. Each side undertook military and political measures--including brutal guerilla warfare-- in their attempts to control areas of divided loyalty and hostile moral and political views held by local civilians. Painting showing removal of Missouri civilians from their homes by Union troops Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail e-Newsletter Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, WARO quarterly e-newsletter Preserving Places of Captivity: Civil War Military Prisons in the National Parks During the Civil War, over 400,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were held prisoner at more than 150 diff erent prison sites. Approximately 56,000 of these died in captivity. Although Andersonville is the most famous Civil War prison, it is only one of many Civil War military prisons that are preserved by the National Park Service. Fort McHenry and the National Aquarium Celebrate 20 Years of Shared Stewardship on National Public Lands Day As National Public Lands Day began at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, over 110 volunteers, work gloves, water bottles, and waders in hand, made their way to the registration tent. Established in 1999 through a partnership between the National Park Service and the National Aquarium, the wetlands cleanup project has enlisted the help of over 6,000 volunteers over the past 20 years. Advancements in Medical Care during World War I The advanced weaponry of World War I, such as chemical agents and trench warfare, created a uniquely afflicted veteran population not seen before. The medical facilities at the fort included several departments that pioneered new treatment strategies and new technology that were designed to tailor to the needs of the victims of this modern war. Salvation Army Poster depicts a cloaked woman sheltering the infirm. War of 1812: Burning of the Sewall House Why did British troops burn down Robert Sewall's house on August 24, 1814? Collaboration is Key to Telling the Story of Women's Suffrage and the 19th Amendment Baltimore National Heritage Area hosted a 19th Amendment workshop at Fort McHenry. The workshop, designed to increase collaboration between groups and allow participants to better tell the story of the 19th amendment, was led by NPS 19th Amendment Coordinators. 19 organizations attended and collaborated. Participants of the 19th Amendment Workshop talk with each other in a conference room. The Civilian Experience in the Civil War After being mere spectators at the war's early battles, civilians both near and far from the battlefields became unwilling participants and victims of the war as its toll of blood and treasure grew year after year. In response to the hardships imposed upon their fellow citizens by the war, civilians on both sides mobilized to provide comfort, encouragement, and material, and began to expect that their government should do the same. Painting of civilians under fire during the Siege of Vicksburg "At early dawn his eye was again greeted by the proudly-waving flag of his country" The British 1814 failure to capture Baltimore Harbor helped change the course of the War of 1812 and inspired the American national anthem. Illustration of British ships bombarding Fort McHenry Creating symbols of the American Nation The War of 1812 served as an important turning point for establishing a sense of sovereignty and a shared history among Americans. But it also helped to develop distinct mythology for the young nation -- from Uncle Sam to the Star-Spangled Banner. US Navy recruiting poster with Uncle Sam pointing finger to YOU The Civil War in American Memory America's cultural memories of the Civil War are inseparably intertwined with that most "peculiar institution" of American history - racial slavery. But in the struggle over Civil War memory which began as soon as the war was over and continues to this day, rival cultural memories of reconciliation and white supremacy have often prevailed. Therein lies the challenge as the National Park Service - a public agency - seeks to "provide understanding" of the Civil War era's lasting impact upon the development of our nation. Elderly Union and Confederate veterans shake hands at the fiftieth anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg The Pratt Street Riot The April 19, 1861 riots in Baltimore showed the country how divided the border states were and strengthened Union resolve to save the capital from secessionists. Many prints and newspaper depictions of the event, varying greatly in accuracy, rolled off Northern printing presses. Frank Leslie's Illustrated print of the Pratt Street Riot The Changing War Begun as a purely military effort with the limited political objectives of reunification (North) or independence (South), the Civil War transformed into a social, economic and political revolution with unforeseen consequences. As the war progressed, the Union war effort steadily transformed from a limited to a hard war; it targeted not just Southern armies, but the heart of the Confederacy's economy, morale, and social order-the institution of slavery. Woodcut of spectators watching a train station set fire by Sherman's troops National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map Series: Legacies: The War of 1812 in American Memory If the War of 1812 played a more important role in American public memory, it would likely have earned a less generic name. The war is the only one in American history designated simply by the year of its commencement, and for nearly a hundred years after it ended in 1815, its name hardly even qualified as a proper noun. Historian Matthew Dennis examines the legacies of the War of 1812 and the space it occupies in American memory. War of 1812 Veterans From Fife to Family--A Living History Experience at Fort McHenry Randi is one of Fort McHenry’s longtime volunteers and music instructors. Two fifers in War of 1812 militia uniform with Randi in foreground From TTAP to NPS: Ben Lammers Ben Lammers successfully completed the Traditional Trades Advancement Program and is now an NPS employee. We caught up with him to hear about his experience in TTAP and his transition to the NPS. Two people work on an old window frame. The window has peeling red paint on it. A Lifelong Connection to National Parks Interview with retired park ranger and volunteer Paul Plamann. Picture of Ranger Paul holding up a newspaper article about him. 50 Nifty Finds #38: A Germ of an Idea A lot of articles have been written about the history of the National Park Service (NPS) arrowhead emblem. Many recycle the same content and outdated information that has largely come from the NPS itself. Challenging the traditional story has revealed new sources of information—and two previously overlooked arrowhead designs—that rewrite the arrowhead origin story. Wooden arrowhead plaque on stand Irish Immigrants in the American Revolution Quite a few Irish immigrants to North America served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, including Doctor James McHenry and John Fitzgerald, both aides-de-camp to General George Washington at Valley Forge. Extra time in Retirement leads Perry to volunteer at Fort McHenry Perry is a very passionate volunteer that had extra time in retirement. He gives his free time to talk about the history at Fort McHenry with visitors. Volunteer Perry giving a flag talk to young visitors. Baltimore Area National Parks Dynamic Duo Volunteer Charles and maintenance team member Bud work together each week to keep the parks’ engines humming, to ensure the historic landscapes are beautiful and inviting to visitors, and habitats preserved for the animals that call its meadows and trees home. Volunteer Charles and Ranger Bud standing side-by-side. Making Volunteering a Tradition - Burt & Jeff Burt has been a volunteer with the National Park Service for a couple decades. He is passionate and a hard worker. Jeff was inspired by Burt, who is his father, to begin volunteering as well. A picture of Bert and Jeff together. Indust-tree-ous Mapping Methods Tree mapping project at Fort McHenry NM & HS, Hampton NHS, Star-Spangled Banner NHT Volunteer Story: The SCA Dream Team Leaves Their Mark at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP For three short weeks, a remarkable team of Student Conservation Association (SCA) interns brought their skills, teamwork, and boundless energy to Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Five SCA volunteers stand around the brick sign for the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center From looking to serve to finding yourself in the history - Bill's Volunteering with the NPS story Bill was inspired to help the NPS and learn something new along the way. He discovered that his family history coincides with the history of these parks. Ranger Phill, James, and Krista with Bill near the Battle Monument. A Passion that becomes a multi-decade service to the NPS Sailor Jerry is a volunteer that has passionately been serving at Fort McHenry since 2003. Learn more about his story Sailor Jerry talking to visitors about a rocket, near the water battery. Growing up loving history to becoming a volunteer Lou is one of our passionate and knowledgeable volunteers! Learn his story! VIP Lou giving a program to visitors outback of the Fort McHenry Visitor Center

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Maryland National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Francis Scott Key and The Star-Spangled Banner The battle of Baltimore would be remembered only as one of tew American victories of consequence in the War of 1812 had not Francis Scott Key (right) so effectively dramatized the bombardment, the flag, and much of the feeling of the day in verse A week before the battle. Key. an influential young Washington lawyer, set out with Col John S Skinner. U S Commissioner General of Prisoners, on a mission to the British fleet They sought release of a friend. Dr William Beanes. arrested for allegedly violating a pledge of good conduct after the Battle of Bladensburg outside Washington Sailing from Balti- more on September 5. ! Key. Colonel Skinner, and they reached the British i Dr Beanes witnessed the fleet in the Chesapeake long bombardment from Bay on September 7. and the deck of a US. truce in a few days of negotiaship Key later described tions had arranged for how he felt when he saw Beanes to go free But McHenry s flag still wavbecause they had learned ing at dawn on the 14th about the British plan to Through the clouds of attack Baltimore, they the war the stars of that were detained until after banner still shone in my the assault for fear they view, and I saw the diswould alert the city s comfited host of its assaildefenders ants driven back in ignominy to their ships. Then. in the hour of deliverance, and joyful triumph, my heart spoke, and Does not such a country and such defenders of their country deserve a song 9 was its question. Key lotted down notes aboard the truce ship on September 14 and finished the poem upon his return to Baltimore the evening of the 16th First titled Defence of Fort McHenry. the poem was published the next day and was soon being sung to the tune of To Ana- creon in Heaven Now known as The StarSpangled Banner, it became the National Anthem of the United States in 1931 c* Courtesy of a Key descendant Maj George Armistead wanted Fort McHenry s flag to be large enough that the British will have no difficulty in seeing it from a distance.' The flag he received measured 42 by 30 feet and was made by Mary Pickersgill. That flag (reproduced here) is called the Star-Spangled Banner' because of Fran- cis Scott Key s poem. It is displayed in the Smithsonian Institutions Museum of American History in Washington. DC. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Maryland The repulse of a British naval attack against this fort in 1814 prevented the capture of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" on giving the Americans "a complete drubbing." They did just that at the Battle of Bladensburg and went on to burn Washington. Then they turned their attention to Baltimore. to withdraw. The next morning he marched his troops to within two miles of the city and awaited the results of a naval attack before assaulting the Baltimore defenses. Baltimore was better prepared for the invaders than Washington had been. Under Maj. Gen. Samuel Smith, a U.S. Senator and veteran of the Revolution, defenses were erected, arms and equipment laid in, and troops trained. In all, Smith's command totaled about 15,000 men, mostly Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia militia, but also a few regular army units and several hundred sailors under Commodore John Rodgers. Fort McHenry. the key to the harbor, was defended by a thousand men. Its guns and those of two batteries along the river's edge dominated the channels leading to the city. A line of gunboats and sunken hulks across the mouth of Northwest Branch also obstructed entry. Admiral Cochrane knew that Fort McHenry must be captured or destroyed if the British campaign was to succeed. He attacked the fort at dawn on the 13th, about the time Brooke began his advance. The bombardment lasted for some 25 hours. Maj. George Armistead, Fort McHenry s commander, estimated later that from 1,500 to 1,800 shells and rockets were fired at the fort. At 2 p.m. two shells exploded on the southwest bastion, killing two officers and wounding several gun crew members. The Battle of Baltimore From 1793 to 1815 England and France were at war. Intent on crushing each other, both nations confiscated American merchant ships and cargoes in an attempt to prevent supplies from reaching enemy ports, acts many Americans viewed as violations of their rights as neutrals. The situation was made hotter by British impressment of American seamen and the demands of the "War Hawks," a group of southern and western congressmen who wanted the United States to annex British Canada and Spanish Florida. The declaration of war against England on June 18,1812, to preserve "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights," was carried by the War Hawks. For two years the Americans were mostly an annoyance to the British, who could not devote much att