Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Preservation of Earthworks

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 16, 2010

1. Preservation of Earthworks Marker

Inscription.
Since 1813, earthworks like these once encircled the Star Fort to provide a safe passage for soldiers and to protect the brick walls from enemy artillery. In 1839, a post-rail fence was erected to protect the earthworks from erosion caused by grazing cattle, curious visitors and wandering soldiers. Today a similar fence helps park rangers protect these important features from continued erosion.

Please do not climb on these fragile resources.

"I have to the best of my ability, endeavored to preserve in good condition the slopes of this battery… On Sunday afternoon, at times the visitors are most numerous…"
Commanding Officer, January 1885

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1813.

Location. 39° 15.842′ N, 76° 34.763′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Locust Point Industrial Area. It is on an unnamed path. Marker is on grounds of Fort McHenry National Monument. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: Evolution of Fort McHenry (a few steps from this marker); Allegiance by Force

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(within shouting distance of this marker); O'er the Ramparts We Watch! (within shouting distance of this marker); A Vast Hospital Once Stood Here (within shouting distance of this marker); A Star Spangled Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort McHenry (within shouting distance of this marker); Heritage of Courage…The Society of the War of 1812 (within shouting distance of this marker); Another Day on Duty… 1814 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Ravelin (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Remember 1814 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. On the right is an illustration captioned, In 1853, the U.S. Army preserves early 19th century military earthworks wit ha fence, while visitors enjoy the view. At the bottom of the marker is a Cross-section of the Star Fort and Dry Moat, 1814.

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 16, 2010

2. Preservation of Earthworks Marker

Post Fence Protecting the Earthworks image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 16, 2010

3. Post Fence Protecting the Earthworks

Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,026 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.