Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Battle Monument
Built 1815-1825 to commemorate those who fell in the British attack on Baltimore in September 1814, the Battle Monument stands on the site of Baltimore’s first courthouse. When Calvert Street was leveled in 1784, the courthouse was raised on an arched brick platform to allow the traffic to flow beneath it. This courthouse “on stilts” remained perched high above the new street level until 1800, when it was razed and a new structure erected on the west side of Calvert Street.
The Monument was designed by Maximilian Godefroy. The symbolism of its Roman fasces, Egyptian tomb, and griffins reflects the architect’s background in revolutionary France, where great attention was paid to elaborate memorials and civic celebrations. At the Monument base are two bas-reliefs of the North Point Battle and the bombardment of Fort McHenry. The vertical rods of the shaft represent the Union, held together by bands inscribed with the names of those who fell in battle. At the top of the Monument, flanked by an eagle and a bomb, is Godefroy’s statue of Baltimore holding laurel wreath of victory. This was first monument in the country erected to honor the common soldier. Since 1827 the Battle Monument has been the official symbol of the City of Baltimore.
Baltimore City Landmark
National Register of Historic Places
this page online
Erected 2005 by City of Baltimore, William Donald Schaefer, Mayor; Rededicated, Martin O'Malley, Mayor.
Topics and series. This historical marker and monument is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Landmarks • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Baltimore City historical markers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1814.
Location. 39° 17.438′ N, 76° 36.748′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of North Calvert Street (Maryland Route 2) and East Fayette Street, in the median on North Calvert Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26 N Calvert St, Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Battle Monument (here, next to this marker); Discover Baltimore: The Monumental City (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Battle Monument (a few steps from this marker); The Equitable Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Baltimore City Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); The Munsey Building
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2023, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 51 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 1, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
