Baltimore Peninsula

The perfect location to construct a fort to defend the city of Baltimore.

The location of Fort McHenry was not decided by chance, it was decided by geography. Any fleet of warships attempting to reach Baltimore had to sail up the Chesapeake Bay and the Patapsco River. The river splits into two parts with the northern branch leading directly to the city itself and the southern branch leading to a possible “back door” approach to the city. The easternmost end of the Baltimore Peninsula was the best natural location to build the defensive fort, Fort McHenry, to protect the city.

fort mchenry and the baltimore peninsula shrouded in snow — Fort McHenry and the Baltimore peninsula shrouded in snow during the Blizzard of 2016.

When the War of 1812 began, the city of Baltimore was a major point of contention between the British and Americans. The British Navy blockaded Baltimore Harbor in an attempt to cut off American trade and prevent their ships from resupplying the American troops. In response, the Americans built Fort McHenry on the Baltimore Peninsula to defend the city from attack.

Fort McHenry was an ideal location for the defense of this important maritime port city. The Baltimore Peninsula is a long, narrow strip of land that juts out into the Chesapeake Bay. It was the perfect location to build Fort McHenry, because it provided a clear view of the bay and the ships that were approaching Baltimore. The fort was also close enough to the city to provide protection, but far enough away so that the city could not be bombarded by the enemy. The peninsula on which Fort McHenry was built was the perfect location for the defense of Baltimore. The peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides, with only a narrow strip of land connecting it to the mainland. This made it an ideal spot to build a fortification protecting the city from attack.

Patapsco River showing approach to the Baltimore Peninsula — Modern day Patapsco River showing the approach to the Baltimore peninsula from about six miles to the east.

Shopping link to: Fort McHenry Gallery.

November 1, 2022November 1, 2022

Caisson on Display at Fort McHenry

Built in 1812, this is one few surviving original ammunition caissons from the fort.

Fort McHenry: Fort McHenry is home to many historical artifacts, one of which is the Caisson. The Caisson was used to transport ammunition, cannon supplies, powder, firing tools, cannonballs and even spare wheels and other heavy equipment during the War of 1812. Today, the Caisson is on display for all to see. Visitors can learn about the Caisson’s role in the War of 1812 and how it helped shape the course of history.

fort mchenry caisson and flag — The caisson on display at Fort McHenry with the American Flag flying above the ramparts in the background.

The caisson on display at Fort McHenry is a reminder of the important role the fort played in the War of 1812. The fort was bombarded for 25 hours by British ships, but the American defenders held firm. The British finally withdrew, and the Americans celebrated a significant victory. This caisson just may be a symbol of that victory, and it stands as a testament to the courage of the American soldiers who defended the fort.

Link to Shop: Ammunition Caisson at Fort Mchenry

Link to Shop: Fort McHenry Wall Art and Home Decor

The caisson is a two-wheeled chassis carrying ammunition chests filled with powder bags and projectiles. It is attached to the trail end of the cannon on the march. When the piece is horse-drawn, a limber, also a two-wheeled chassis carrying an ammunition box, but with a long tongue for the harness, is hooked on to complete the train.

November 10, 2017November 4, 2022

Powder Magazine at Fort McHenry

Ft. McHenry’s Gunpowder Storehouse

Gunpowder for Fort McHenry was kept in the Magazine. The term magazine comes from French and Arabic, meaning storehouse.

Some historians say the Magazine is the most important structure of any fort.

See more of Bill Swartwout’s photographs of Fort McHenry here: https://bill.pixels.com/collections/fort+mchenry

February 16, 2017November 4, 2022

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.