Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Entering Fort McHenry A Deadly Crossfire
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
1. Entering Fort McHenry ... A Deadly Crossfire Marker
You are standing in the most vulnerable point of Fort McHenry, and potentially the most deadly. The main entrance was the weakest part of the fort's walls. Fearing a British land attack, the defenders built the Ravelin (the structure to your right) for protection in 1813.
Wedge-shaped, the Ravelin would split an enemy assault against the main gate. The fort's star-shape allowed cannons to be mounted on each bastion or "point" to catch an enemy in a murderous crossfire.
A ditch or "dry moat" surrounded the fort and offered protection for both the fort's walls and the 600 U.S. infantry troops.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1813.
Location. 39° 15.805′ N, 76° 34.749′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Locust Point Industrial Area. It can be reached from East Fort Avenue. The marker is at Fort McHenry (2400 E Fort Ave.) at the south corner of the ravelin. 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.
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: Dawn's Early Light (within shouting distance of this marker); You Can Help Save Fort McHenry
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Ravelin (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); O Say, Can You See? (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Outer Battery (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 22, 2023
2. Entering Fort McHenry
A Deadly Crossfire Marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
3. Entering Fort McHenry ... A Deadly Crossfire Marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
4. Positioning a Cannon
An officer and two soldiers carefully position a cannon to sweep the face of the fort's wall. In 1814 entering the fort meant going into the Ravelin and crossing the wooden bridge.Close-up of image on marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
5. Sandstone Quoins
These soft Aquia sandstone quoins on the corner of the ravelin are weathering away.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 18, 2025
6. Entering Fort McHenry
A Deadly Crossfire Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,002 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on March 27, 2022, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on July 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 26, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on January 31, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
