Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bombproofs
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., 2005
1. Bombproofs Marker
The arched chambers on either side of the sally port are identical bomb shelters for the fort's soldiers. They were built immediately after the bombardment of 1814, when it became obvious that such places were needed. Fortunately, Fort McHenry was never shelled again, and the bombproofs were never used for their intended purpose.
Contrary to popular belief, the underground rooms in and around the star fort are not "dungeons," despite their iron gates and dark narrow entrances. Bombproofs and magazines were built to protect personnel and ammunition from enemy artillery fire.
[Caption:]
In cross section you can see the multilayered brick vaulting which made the bombproof strong. Six air shafts along the right side provided ventilation.
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 of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Fort McHenry series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1814.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Civil War Guardhouse (a few steps from this marker); In Full Glory Reflected (a few steps from this marker); Fort McHenry (a few steps from this marker); A Star Spangled Centennial (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); Mortars vs. Guns (within shouting distance of this marker); Entering Fort McHenry A Deadly Crossfire (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 17, 2020
2. Bombproofs Marker
Marker in its new location.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
3. Bombproofs Marker
In its previous location
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., 2005
4. Interior of Bombproof
July 17, 2007
5. Bombproof Interior
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
6. Cross Section
In cross section you can see the multilayered brick vaulting which made the bombproof strong.Close-up of image on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
7. Plan
Six air shafts along the right side provided ventilation.Close-up of image on marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., 2005
8. Entrance to Star Fort from Sally Port
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,116 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 8, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on February 17, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on July 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on October 8, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on October 9, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 6, 7. submitted on July 9, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 8. submitted on October 8, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
