Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mortars vs. Guns
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 15, 2008
1. Mortars vs. Guns Marker
When the British attacked in 1814, guns of this type – but larger – were fired from the ramparts and the water batteries near the riverbank. They kept the British warships from entering Baltimore Harbor, but they could not shoot far enough to hit the vessels that were hurling bombs at the fort.
According to the American Commanders report, the British fired more than 1,500 bombs. These are the famous “bombs bursting in air” mentioned in our National Anthem. Displayed here are two which failed to explode. Fortunately, there were many duds and many misses, and the fort suffered little damage.
The gun tubes you see here are not known to have been at Fort McHenry during the bombardment. They are, however, authentic pieces from the War of 1812 period.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Fort McHenry series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1814.
Location. 39° 15.803′ N, 76° 34.792′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Locust Point Industrial Area. It can be reached from East Fort Avenue, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Commanding Officers Quarters (a few steps from this marker); In Full Glory Reflected (a few steps from this marker); Civil War Guardhouse (a few steps from this marker); British Bomb (a few steps from this marker); Providing For The Common Defense (a few steps from this marker); 1814 Enlisted Men's Barracks, No 2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Bombproofs (within shouting distance of this marker); Another Day on Duty 1814 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Other markers no longer nearby. Star-Spangled Banner (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Powder Magazine (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. Battle of Baltimore. HistoryCentral.com. (Submitted on August 30, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. National Park Service. (Submitted on August 30, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 15, 2008
2. Marker in Fort McHenry
Photographed by Craig Swain, May 16, 2010
3. Magazine and Marker
The magazine is the barn like structure in the center. The marker is just to the right of the magazine.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 15, 2008
4. Gun Tubes Display
Cannon similar to these were used at Fort McHenry during the September 13-14, 1814 Battle of Baltimore. Their range was too short to do any damage to the attacking British ships.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 15, 2008
5. British Bomb
This bomb, fired at the fort by the British during the 1814 bombardment, failed to explode.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,735 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 30, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on August 25, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on August 30, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
