Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Civil War Guardhouse
Photographed by William Pfingsten, September 16, 2007
1. Civil War Guardhouse Marker
Fort McHenry has had several guardhouses. This one, built in 1835 and enlarged in 1857, is one of the best preserved buildings in the star fort. Soldiers on duty in this room guarded military offenders in the adjacent cells.
During the Civil War, Fort McHenry served as a transfer point for Confederate prisoners of war, most of whom were kept in buildings and stockades outside the star fort. High-security prisoners were locked up here.
In the city, civil rights were suspended at times during the turbulent war years. Citizens suspected of contributing to the rebellion were detained at Fort McHenry. Political prisoners included Baltimore’s mayor and chief of police, Washington's mayor, and—ironically—a grandson of Francis Scott Key.
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, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Fort McHenry series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 15.801′ N, 76° 34.778′ W.
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Central Maryland. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: In Full Glory Reflected (a few steps from this marker); Bombproofs (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); Fort McHenry (a few
Photographed by William Pfingsten, September 16, 2007
2. Guardhouse
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); The Ravelin (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Commanding Officer’s Quarters (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,966 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on April 6, 2024, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
