Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
O'er the Ramparts We Watch!
Which Flag Flies Today?
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
1. O'er the Ramparts We Watch! Marker
The forts walls are called ramparts. An American flag flies over Fort McHenry twenty four hours a day by Presidential Proclamation.
The size of the flag varies. On clear days with the right amount of wind, a full-size replica of the Star-Spangled Banner measuring 30 X 42 feet with fifteen stars and stripes waves. The fort also flies smaller versions of this flag. On rainy days and at night, a small, modern 50-star American flag is flown.
[Sidebar:]
In 1948, a proclamation issued by President Harry S. Truman stated that "as a perpetual symbol of our patriotism, the flag of the United States shall hereafter be displayed at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine at all times during the day and night, except when weather is inclement."
At night, the flag is illuminated by lights powered by solar panels.
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 of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman, and the Vexillology series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.
Location. 39° 15.855′ N, 76° 34.735′
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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: A Vast Hospital Once Stood Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Preservation of Earthworks (within shouting distance of this marker); Evolution of Fort McHenry (within shouting distance of this marker); Heritage of Courage The Society of the War of 1812 (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome! You Are Now "On Post" (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guns that Won the Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Army "Sailors," Navy "Soldiers" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Allegiance by Force (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Sailors Fighting Sailors (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. This marker carries similar information and illustrations to the "Star-Spangled Banner" marker which was located at the base of the flagpole inside the fort. That spot is now the location of the "In Full Glory"
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
2. O'er the Ramparts We Watch! Marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012
3. The 17 X 25 foot 15-star 15-stripe storm flag flies o'er the ramparts at Fort McHenry
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 18, 2025
4. Fort McHenry
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 18, 2025
5. Fort McHenry
Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 18, 2025
6. Fort McHenry
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,344 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on November 27, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 27, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 31, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
