On Post at Fort McHenry in Baltimore

Welcome to being “on post” at Fort McHenry.

The above photograph, “Fort McHenry Exterior,” is offered on canvas or as a framed print in sizes up to 60″ x 40″ by Bill Swartwout Photography. The scene was captured at the approximate area where you entering the grounds of the original fort at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

The narrative from this placard reads:
Welcome! You are Now “On Post”
Fort McHenry, like military bases today, comprised many buildings. If you were here in 1814, you would be standing of the edge of the outer frill field. Behind it stood two buildings: a gun shed, where small field cannons were stored, and a stable for officers’ horses (foundations outlined in brick). A brick tavern sat just outside the entrance gate near those structures.

The image on the placard above depicts: In 1814 two main roads led from the fort. One went to the city, and the other to the government dock. The scene above depicts an autumn day in 1814. The British have long since departed but the garrison remains on alert.

For more detail and to shop related Fort McHenry photographs visit Bill Swartwout Photography.

February 15, 2017November 4, 2022

An Act of Defiance and Symbol of Perseverance

The Stars & Stripes fly over the Parade Ground

Once hoisted as an act of defiance and a symbol perseverance, the American Flag flew over Fort McHenry at the conclusion of the Battle of Baltimore.

At the base of the [newly donated replica] flag mast near the entrance to the Interior Parade Ground of Fort McHenry is a placard with the following description:

In Full Glory Reflected

9:00 a.m., September 1814

The bombardment has ended; the battle is over. As the rain clouds pass and the rays of the sun shine on the fort, the garrison, tired and relieved, stands upon the parade ground. All eyes stare at the large 30 x 42 foot American flag. Carefully kept dry throughout the stormy night, it is now hoisted as a special act of defiance and symbol of perseverance.

Seeing this flag from several miles away inspires Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner”.

“At this time the morning gun was fired, the flag hoisted, and Yankee Doodle played…
Private Isaac Munroe, Baltimore Fencibles, 1814.”

For this and other fine art photographs of Fort McHenry click Bill Swartwout Photography.

February 14, 2017November 4, 2022

Orpheus Statue At Fort Mchenry

Orpheus – Hero of Music and Poetry at Fort McHenry

The descriptive placard provides a bit of the history of this Orpheus Statue. The old photograph depicts a Defenders’ Day celebration and is captioned: Defenders’ Day, 1928 – For many years the Orpheus statue has served as the centerpiece for the annual commemoration of the Battle of Baltimore.

The narrative reads: In 1916 the Fine Arts Commission sponsored a national competition for a statue to honor Francis Scott Key and the defenders who protected Baltimore during the War of 1812. It chose “Orpheus” bu Charles Niehaus.

America’s involvement in World War I delayed the completion of the statue. Dedicated on Flag Day, June 14, 1922 and originally placed in the middle of the entrance road, it was moved to its current location in 1962.

For fine art photographs of Fort McHenry click HERE.

February 12, 2017November 4, 2022

Blizzard of 2016 Blankets Fort McHenry

Snowbound Panorama of Fort McHenry

Here is a seldom seen sight – actually a sight seen by only a few hundred people – one time. The blizzard of 2016 in Baltimore dropped 29.2 inches of snow, an all-time record, over the city just 48 hours before this photograph was captured. Bill, of Bill Swartwout Photography, shot this as he was departing on a Caribbean Cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line “Grandeur of the Seas” just before sunset on January 25, 2016. This amount of snow on Fort McHenry had never been seen before and, most likely, will never be seen again. This was, indeed, one of those “right place/right time” moments for a landscape/seascape photographer.

This photograph is offered in a panorama format. More details can be viewed by clicking HERE.

November 8, 2016October 18, 2020

Fort McHenry and American Flag Greeting Cards

Greeting Cards are now available with scenes of Fort McHenry and the 15-Star Flag.

With many different scenes available, these Fort McHenry Greeting Cards are 5″x7″ in size and are produced on digital offset printers using 100 lb. paper stock. Each card is coated with a UV protectant on the outside surface which a semi-gloss finish and are even SUITABLE FOR FRAMING.

The inside of each card has a matte finish and can be customized with your own message up to 500 characters in length. Each card comes with a white envelope for mailing or gift giving.

These greeting cards are very reasonably priced and available as singles or in packs of 10 or 25. They usually ship within 1-2 days. Order yours now at https://bill.pixels.com/shop/greeting+cards.