Locust Point Industrial Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Allegiance by Force
"…there should be an uprising in Baltimore, I shall be compelled to try to put it down; and that gun is the first I shall fire."
Major General John Dix, U.S. Army,1861
At the beginning of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln directed the U.S. Army to prevent Maryland from joining the Southern Confederacy "even if necessary" he ordered, "to the bombardment of the cities." As a result the Army quickly mounted heavy seacoast mortars, and two large 10-inch Columbiad cannons at Fort McHenry.
In July 1861, a delegation of women visited the fort to complain about the federal occupation of Baltimore. On this spot General Dix made it clear he would not hesitate to fire if he felt it necessary to hold Baltimore. Capable of firing exploding shells, the guns of Fort McHenry threatened the city with "bursting bombs" similar to those the fort had persevered the city from in 1814.
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 • War, US Civil • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1861.
Location. 39° 15.83′ N, 76° 34.784′ 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 on the ramparts of the northeast bastion of Fort Mchenry. 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. Another Day on Duty… 1814 (within shouting distance of this marker); A Star Spangled Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort McHenry (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); In Full Glory Reflected (within shouting distance of this marker); Bombproofs (within shouting distance of this marker); Commanding Officer’s Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 767 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 11, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.