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

Entering Fort McHenry … A Deadly Crossfire

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012

1. Entering Fort McHenry ... A Deadly Crossfire Marker

Inscription.
You are standing in the most vulnerable point of Fort McHenry, and potentially the most deadly. The main entrance was the weakest part of the fort's walls. Fearing a British land attack, the defenders built the Ravelin (the structure to your right) for protection in 1813.

Wedge-shaped, the Ravelin would split an enemy assault against the main gate. The fort's star-shape allowed cannons to be mounted on each bastion or "point" to catch an enemy in a murderous crossfire.

A ditch or "dry moat" surrounded the fort and offered protection for both the fort's walls and the 600 U.S. infantry troops.

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

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1813.

Location. 39° 15.805′ N, 76° 34.749′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Locust Point Industrial Area. Marker can be reached from East Fort Avenue. The marker is at Fort McHenry (2400 E Fort Ave.) at the south corner of the ravelin. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore MD 21230, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dawn's Early Light (within shouting distance of this marker); You Can Help Save Fort McHenry

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Ravelin Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker); Bombproofs (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Guns of the Fort… The Rodman Cannons (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort McHenry (within shouting distance of this marker); A Star Spangled Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker); Experimental Carriages (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 22, 2023

2. Entering Fort McHenry … A Deadly Crossfire Marker

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012

3. Entering Fort McHenry ... A Deadly Crossfire Marker

Positioning a Cannon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012

4. Positioning a Cannon

An officer and two soldiers carefully position a cannon to sweep the face of the fort's wall. In 1814 entering the fort meant going into the Ravelin and crossing the wooden bridge.Close-up of image on marker

Sandstone Quoins image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 13, 2012

5. Sandstone Quoins

These soft Aquia sandstone quoins on the corner of the ravelin are weathering away.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 757 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on March 27, 2022, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on July 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 26, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.