Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Orpheus Hero of Music and Poetry
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
1. Orpheus... Hero of Music and Poetry Marker
In 1916 the Fine Arts Commission sponsored a national competition for a statue to honor Francis Scott Key and the defenders who protected Baltimore during the War of 1812. It chose "Orpheus" by Charles Niehaus.
America's involvement in World War I delayed the completion of the statue. Dedicated on Flag Day, June 14, 1922, and originally placed in the middle of the entrance road, it was moved to its current location in 1962.
Orpheus and the surrounding grove of Flowering crabapple trees show the transformation of Fort McHenry from an active military base to a place of reflection and commemoration.
[Side bar:]
For many years the Orpheus statue has served as the centerpiece for the annual commemoration of the Battle of Baltimore.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • War of 1812. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1807.
Location. 39° 15.867′ N, 76° 34.912′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Locust Point Industrial Area. It can be reached from East Fort Avenue.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: This Tree Dedicated to George Washington (a few steps from this marker); Colonel James McHenry (a few steps from this marker); This Tree Dedicated to Major Richard Heath (a few steps from this marker); This Tree Dedicated to Colonel Joseph Sterett (a few steps from this marker); Francis Scott Key (within shouting distance of this marker); Lieutenant John Frazier (within shouting distance of this marker); This Tree Dedicated to Major J.J. Ulrich Rivaldi (within shouting distance of this marker); This Tree Dedicated to General John Stricker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
2. Orpheus... Hero of Music and Poetry Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Orpheus (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
3. Orpheus statue (Francis Scott Key Memorial) with marker in the foreground at Fort McHenry
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
4. Francis Scott Key Memorial (Statue of Orpheus) at Fort McHenry
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
5. Francis Scott Key on the Memorial at Fort McHenry
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
6. Orpheus statue atop the Francis Scott Key Memorial at Fort McHenry
Photographed by Allen C. Browne
7. Charles Niehaus and his statue of Orpheus, from Art and Archaeology, Vol. VI, No.1, July 1917
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,022 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on March 27, 2022, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 21, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
