Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Civil War Guardhouse
Fort McHenry has had several guardhouses. This one, built in 1835 and enlarged in 1857, is one of the best preserved buildings in the star fort. Soldiers on duty in this room guarded military offenders in the adjacent cells.
During the Civil War, Fort McHenry served as a transfer point for Confederate prisoners of war, most of whom were kept in buildings and stockades outside the star fort. Hi-security prisoners were locked up here.
In the city, civil rights were suspended at times during the turbulent war years. Citizens suspected of contributing to the rebellion were detained at Fort McHenry. Political prisoners including Baltimore’s mayor, and—ironically—a grandson of Francis Scott Key.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Fort McHenry series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 39° 15.801′ N, 76° 34.778′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Locust Point Industrial Area. Marker can be reached from East Fort Avenue. Marker is inside the star fort at Fort McHenry. Touch for map . Marker is at or near this postal address: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore MD 21230, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Full Glory Reflected (a few steps from this marker); Bombproofs (a few steps from this marker); Ravelin Magazine (a few steps from this marker); 1814 Enlisted Men's Barracks, No 2 (a few steps from this marker); Fort McHenry (a few steps from this marker); A Star Spangled Centennial (a few steps from this marker); Mortars vs. Guns (a few steps from this marker); Commanding Officer’s Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Another Day on Duty… 1814 (within shouting distance of this marker); Dawn's Early Light (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,671 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.