Fort McHenry
National Monument and Historic Shrine

This late 18th century star-shaped fort is world famous as the birthplace of the American national anthem. The guardian of Baltimore's harbor, it was the valiant defense of Fort McHenry by American forces during a British attack on September 13-14, 1814, that inspired 35 year old, poet-lawyer, Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Following the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, the fort never again came under attack. However, it remained an active military post off and on for the next 100 years.

During the Civil War, it was occupied by Union forces who used it as a prison camp for the detention of Confederate soldiers, southern sympathizers, and political prisoners.

From 1917 until 1923, U.S. Army General Hospital No. 2 was located here to serve World War I troops. A portion of the 43 acre park was used as a U.S. Coast Guard training facility as late as World War II. It became an area administered by the National Park Service in 1933, two years after Key's poem became this country's national anthem. Of all the areas in the National Park System, Fort McHenry is the only one designated a national monument and historic shrine.

READ THE 1998 ANNUAL REPORT

VISITATION:

Highest in spring and summer; lowest in January and February.

LOCATION:

Baltimore, Maryland

ADDRESS:

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
End of East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21230-5393

TELEPHONE:

General Information: (410) 962-4290
Group Information: (410) 962-4299 extension 243

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Grounds: Daily,  8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Fort and Visitor Center: Daily,  8:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.
Extended 1999 Summer Hours: June 5 - August 22,  8 A.M. to 8 P.M.
                                                August 23 - September 6,  8 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Closed: December 25, January 1.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Mostly sunny, with humid, rainy periods throughout the year. Cold winters. Tends to be windy all year round. Summers generally hot and humid. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with walking shoes.

DIRECTIONS:

The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. From northbound or southbound I-95, take exit 55 to Key Highway. From Key Highway turn left on Lawrence Street and left on Fort Avenue. Proceed one mile to the park. From the Baltimore Inner Harbor, take Light Street south to Fort Avenue. Turn left on Fort Avenue and proceed to the park.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: access by I-95 and various city roads; Baltimore is serviced by an international airport (BWI), bus, MARC and Amtrack stations; city buses, taxies and shuttle boat (in season).

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Entrance fee to the historic fort is $ 5.00 for adults 17 and over. Children 16 and under are free. Golden Age, Eagle and Access passports are available at the Visitor Center desk daily from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Exhibits, model of the Star Fort, movie theater, rest rooms, gift shop, which is owned and operated by the Evelyn Hill Corporation. For gift shop information call (410) 625-2330 or write Evelyn Hill Corporation, Fort McHenry NM&HS, End of East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21230-5393.

Star Fort:

Exhibits of historical and military memorabilia, electric battle map, restored barracks, restored flag pole.

Grounds:

Statues (Major Armistead and Orpheus), wayside exhibits, plaques, seawall trail.

Programs/Activities:

Daily flag change, 9:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., weather permitting; interpretive programs; living history (seasonal); star fort and grounds are self-guided tours. Please inquire at the Visitor Center desk for current information.

Accessibility:

Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible, fort is mostly accessible; closed-captioned orientation film; sound sticks are available for wayside exhibits to the fort and through the outer battery. You may call the park on TTY through Maryland Relay 1-800-735-2258 or (within Maryland 711).

VOLUNTEER-IN-PARKS:

Volunteers are our heroes. Volunteers In Parks preserve and interpret the fort and its history. These dedicated individuals, known as VIPs, serve in virtually all areas of park operations.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Arrangements should be made for groups larger than twenty between four weeks and six months in advance by calling (410) 962-4299 extension 243 or faxing (410) 962-2500. Special Use and Filming Permits are required for special park uses. They are arranged on an individual basis. For additional information, call (410) 962-4290.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Visitors should stop at the Visitor Center first to obtain park information, pay entrance fee, see orientation film and receive park information. Park stay is approximately one to two hours.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

A Civil War Weekend, April 24-25, 1999.
Flag Day Celebration, June 14, 1999, sponsored by the National Flag Day Foundation.
Tattoo Ceremonies: Sunday, July 18 - U.S. Navy; Sunday, July 25 - U.S. Army; and Sunday, August 22 - U.S. Marines. All programs begin at 6:30 p.m.
Star-Spangled Banner Weekend, September 10-12, 1999.
Baltimore Prepares! World War II at Fort McHenry, October 16-17, 1999.
Call (410) 962-4290 for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write: Superintendent, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, End of East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21230-5393, Phone: (410) 962-4290 or send e-mail .

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Last Modified: Wednesday,  23-JUNE-99
http://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm
Author: Jim Rogers