BGuthrie Photos: MD -- Fort McHenry Natl Monument -- Exhibit Rooms Inside Fort

MD -- Fort McHenry Natl Monument -- Exhibit Rooms Inside Fort:

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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. FTMCEX_100705_001.JPG: The Ravelin: This wedge-shaped outwork protected the fort's sally port from enemy fire, and helped to control access to the star fort. The US Army built the original ravelin in 1813. The structure was modified to its present dimensions in 1837. The ravelin and dry moat provided a first line of defense against a land attack, but none ever came. Two doors along the ravelin's rear scarp walls lead to an underground magazine where gunpowder and ammunition were stored just after the Civil War. Please watch your step on the curved stairways. In 1814, the ravelin stood like a brick island in the dry moat. Removable bridges connected the star fort with the outside world. The ravelin's triangular design offered enemy soldiers no place to take over from the star fort's gun.
2. FTMCEX_100705_005.JPG: Ravelin magazine
3. FTMCEX_100705_011.JPG: Ravelin Magazine: Near the end of the Civil war, several large cannon were mounted on the ravelin above, and in the adjacent water battery. The commanding officer ordered that 1,000 rounds of ammunition be kept nearby for each gun. In 1866, this magazine and two others were built to safely store the additional gunpowder. The covered entrance with its angled stairway was designed to prevent enemy projectiles from reaching the explosives. Three feet (1 m) of concrete and up to 16 feet (5m) of earth were laid over the arched brick vault. In addition to the underground magazines, there are two above-ground brick magazines at Fort McHenry -- one inside the star fort, and one 250 yards (225m) to the west. Gunners took care to keep their powder dry and away from flames. Powder kegs were probably stored as wooden racks where they could be periodically rotated to prevent caking Ferrous metal objects which could produce sparks were prohibited in the magazine.
4. FTMCEX_100705_032.JPG: Bombproofs: The arched chambers on either side of the sally port are identical bomb shelters for the fort's soldiers. They were built immediately after the bombardment of 1814, when it became obvious that such places were needed. Fortunately, Fort McHenry was never shelled again, and the bombproofs were never used for their intended purpose. Contrary to popular belief, the underground rooms in and around the star fort are not "dungeons," despite their iron gates and dark, narrow entrances. Bombproofs and magazines were built to protect personnel and ammunition from enemy artillery fire.
5. FTMCEX_100705_056.JPG: Civil War Guardhouse: 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 sells. 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. "There was no bedstead of chair, there being no room for such luxuries. I was allowed a mattress, which I placed on the damp floor at eight, and stood up on and against the wall in the day. I was not allowed bed linen. At no time were the walls of my cell (dry), the rear wall particularly. Moisture trickled down it the whole time, and I could fill my hand with a green slime, simply by passing it up the face of the wall." -- Henry Brogden, Confederate prisoner, 1863
6. FTMCEX_100705_060.JPG: Civil War guardhouse
7. FTMCEX_100705_074.JPG: Commanding Officer's Quarters: The rooms on the left end of this building stood as a separate structure during the 1814 period. This was the residence of Major George Armistead, commanding officer and "Hero of Fort McHenry." It was Armistead who directed the successful defense of Fort McHenry in 1814. He also ordered the making of a large flag to defy the attacking British -- the same flag that inspired Francis Scott Key. Armistead's wife Louisa and their two-year-old daughter probably did not stay here often. There was little privacy, and the attic bedrooms were too hot to use in summer. We know that at the time of the British bombardment, the family was evacuated to Gettysburg, where Louisa gave birth to a daughter one day after the American victory here. Armistead's tireless efforts at Fort McHenry left him exhausted and unable to regain his health; he died in 1818.
8. FTMCEX_100705_078.JPG: Lt. Colonel George Armistead (1780-1818) Commander of Fort McHenry By "the dawn's early light" on September 14, 1814, George Armistead became a hero of Fort McHenry and of our young nation during the War of 1812. While commander of Fort McHenry, 1813-1818, he lived in this building. A Family History: Born in 1780 in Caroline County to one of Virginia's oldest families, George was one of four sons who served their country in the War of 1812. Two brothers died during the war, one of Fort Erie, Canada and the other at Savannah, Georgia. In 1810, George married Louisa Hughes, the daughter of a prominent Baltimore silversmith. They had four children. A half century later his nephew, Lewis Addison Armistead (1817-1863), led the vanguard of Pickett's charge at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863. He was wounded and died two days later. Both Armisteads, heroes of Fort McHenry and Gettysburg, are buried in Old St. Paul's Cemetery in Baltimore.
9. FTMCEX_100705_083.JPG: Commanding Officer's Quarters
10. FTMCEX_100705_089.JPG: Armistead's Command: One thousand soldiers and sailors defended Fort McHenry during one of the most intense foreign bombardments on American soil to ever take place in our country's history. Their varied backgrounds mirrored citizenry of this young country. Difference classes, races and national origins were forgotten as they worked together to turn back the enemy.
11. FTMCEX_100705_094.JPG: The Battle for Baltimore: On the morning of September 12, 1814, 5,000 British troops landed at North Point. That afternoon, they engaged Brigadier General John Stricker's Third Brigade of Maryland Militia at the Battle of North Point. Stricker pulled his 3,000 men back to the American lines defending the city. The next day, 16 British warships equipped with long range 13-inch sea mortars and 32-pound Congreve rockets began a 25 hour naval bombardment of Fort McHenry. These weapons posed the greatest thread to Baltimore. An eye-witness wrote, "to this scene of devastation, the rain fell in torrents -- the thunder broke in mighty peals after each successive flash of lighting." On the morning of September 14th, the the [sic] British army withdrew from Baltimore. The naval and land attack had failed.
12. FTMCEX_100705_102.JPG: Lt. Colonel George Armistead (1780-1818) On September 22, 1814, Armistead wrote to his wife, Louisa, whom he had earlier sent to Gettysburg for safety. While there she gave birth to their second daughter, Margaret. "The President promptly sent my promotion with a very handsome compliment. So you see my dear wife, all is well, at least your husband had got a name and standing that nothing but divine providence could have given him, and I pray to our Heavenly Father we may live long enough to enjoy." Four years later on April 25, 1818, Armistead died at the age of 38. He was buried in Old St. Paul's Cemetery after one of the largest funerals ever held in Baltimore.
13. FTMCEX_100705_106.JPG: "the Bombs bursting in air..." the Carcasses red glare! The carcass was a hollow shell filled with flammable ingredients. Had the British defeated Fort McHenry and reached the city, these weapons would have incinerated the wooden buildings in Baltimore. This is one of four carcasses fired at the fort from the British bomb vessel Volcano during the bombardment. Nearly 1500 mortar bombs hurled at the fort were even more damaging. They killed four and wounded 24 defenders.
14. FTMCEX_100705_110.JPG: "the Bombs bursting in air..." the Carcasses red glare! The carcass was a hollow shell filled with flammable ingredients. Had the British defeated Fort McHenry and reached the city, these weapons would have incinerated the wooden buildings in Baltimore. This is one of four carcasses fired at the fort from the British bomb vessel Volcano during the bombardment. Nearly 1500 mortar bombs hurled at the fort were even more damaging. They killed four and wounded 24 defenders.
15. FTMCEX_100705_114.JPG: In 1816, the grateful citizens of Baltimore presented Fort McHenry's commander, Lt. Col. George Armistead, with a silver punch bowl in the form of a British 13-inch mortar bomb. This replica is provided through the courtesy of The Questers of the State of Maryland.
16. FTMCEX_100705_129.JPG: "It is my desire to have a flag..." In June 1813, soon after Armistead's arrival from his previous command at Fort Niagara, New York, he informed Major general Samuel Smith: "We, Sir, are ready at Fort McHenry to defend Baltimore against invading by the enemy. This is to say, we are ready except that we have no suitable ensign to display over the Star Fort, and it is my desire to have a flag so large that the British will have no difficulty seeing it from a distance." A year later, on the morning of September 10, 1814, Armistead hosted a meeting in these quarters. Major General Smith and all brigade and naval commanders attended this meeting to plan the defense of Baltimore.
17. FTMCEX_100705_147.JPG: 1814 Guardhouse: In 1814, two buildings stood here. The one on the left housed the commanding officer. The smaller one beside it served as a base of operations for men assigned to guard duty. Guards too two-hour watches at key posts around the fort, where they could spot enemies approaching, or soldiers violating military regulations. Between watches they returned to the one-room guardhouse where they could drink a cup of coffee, or sleep. Guard duty lasted 24 hours. Replacements took over at the daily "changing of the guard."
18. FTMCEX_100705_148.JPG: 1814 Guardhouse
19. FTMCEX_100705_153.JPG: 1814 Guardhouse
20. FTMCEX_100705_159.JPG: Powder Magazine: Magazines are structures designed to protect gunpowder and ammunition from moisture, sparks, and impact. In 1814, a much smaller magazine stood here. During the famous bombardment, a British shell crashed into the reef, but miraculously failed to set off an explosion. Immediately after the battle, work began on a stronger magazine -- the one you see today. The brick walls and arched roof are so thick that the space inside used to store powder accounts for only 10% of the building's total volume.
21. FTMCEX_100705_164.JPG: Powder Magazine: Magazines are structures designed to protect gunpowder and ammunition from moisture, sparks, and impact. In 1814, a much smaller magazine stood here. During the famous bombardment, a British shell crashed into the reef, but miraculously failed to set off an explosion. Immediately after the battle, work began on a stronger magazine -- the one you see today. The brick walls and arched roof are so thick that the space inside used to store powder accounts for only 10% of the building's total volume. 1814 Powder Chamber: In late August of 1814, Major Armistead was ordered to make 320,000 musket cartridges for Baltimore's defense. The cartridges were stored here, along with other munitions, including artillery cartridges in boxes and loose power in kegs. As you view the chamber, note the various suppliers who provided gunpowder for Baltimore's defense. The Bellona Gunpowder Company and the Aetna Gun Powder Factory were well known. Conditions in the chamber were regulated. To prevent dampness, a rear window provided fresh air. To illuminate the room, a secured window alcove, behind and above you, held a reflective lantern.
22. FTMCEX_100705_170.JPG: 1814 Powder Chamber: In late August of 1814, Major Armistead was ordered to make 320,000 musket cartridges for Baltimore's defense. The cartridges were stored here, along with other munitions, including artillery cartridges in boxes and loose power in kegs. As you view the chamber, note the various suppliers who provided gunpowder for Baltimore's defense. The Bellona Gunpowder Company and the Aetna Gun Powder Factory were well known. Conditions in the chamber were regulated. To prevent dampness, a rear window provided fresh air. To illuminate the room, a secured window alcove, behind and above you, held a reflective lantern.
23. FTMCEX_100705_184.JPG: The Baltimore Fencibles: 1813-1815: This independent artillery company of 64 officers and men was attached to the 1st Regiment, Maryland Volunteer Artillery, which was part of the 3rd Brigade of the 3rd Division of Maryland Militia. The four officers of this citizen-soldier company occupied this room in the summer of 1814. They represented the elite of Baltimore's mercantile society and were well trained in the use of artillery. Many of the company had invested in the profitable privateer and maritime trades and stood to lose a great deal should the British capture the city. They all knew what had happened to Washington DC when the British had captured it in August. "Let us act with one heart, and one hand; let us show to an admiring world, that however we may differ among ourselves about some of our internal concerns, yet in the great cause of our country, the American people are animated by one soul and one spirit." -- Captain Joseph Nicholson, Baltimore Fencibles
24. FTMCEX_100705_201.JPG: The Baltimore Fencibles: 1813-1815: This independent artillery company of 64 officers and men was attached to the 1st Regiment, Maryland Volunteer Artillery, which was part of the 3rd Brigade of the 3rd Division of Maryland Militia. The four officers of this citizen-soldier company occupied this room in the summer of 1814. They represented the elite of Baltimore's mercantile society and were well trained in the use of artillery. Many of the company had invested in the profitable privateer and maritime trades and stood to lose a great deal should the British capture the city. They all knew what had happened to Washington DC when the British had captured it in August. "Let us act with one heart, and one hand; let us show to an admiring world, that however we may differ among ourselves about some of our internal concerns, yet in the great cause of our country, the American people are animated by one soul and one spirit." -- Captain Joseph Nicholson, Baltimore Fencibles
25. FTMCEX_100705_209.JPG: Original Cross Brace: Imagine you are standing in a trench dug by archaeologists in 1958. At your feet you see the actual cross brace that anchored the flag pole during the bombardment. It is a tangible link to one of the most important icons of American history, the Star-Spangled Banner. A second cross brace, represented above, would have secured the flag pole at ground level. The original has not survived. The exhibit case to your left contains artifacts recovered at Fort McHenry, from different historic periods. They are placed in a setting to suggest the 1958 archeological excavation.
26. FTMCEX_100705_216.JPG: Original Cross Brace: Imagine you are standing in a trench dug by archaeologists in 1958. At your feet you see the actual cross brace that anchored the flag pole during the bombardment. It is a tangible link to one of the most important icons of American history, the Star-Spangled Banner. A second cross brace, represented above, would have secured the flag pole at ground level. The original has not survived. The exhibit case to your left contains artifacts recovered at Fort McHenry, from different historic periods. They are placed in a setting to suggest the 1958 archeological excavation.
27. FTMCEX_100705_222.JPG: This huge military medical complex, containing 109 buildings and thousands of hospital beds, covered nearly every square foot of what is now Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Built to treat the wounded of World War I, this hospital was not needed after the fighting stopped. The army demolished the buildings in the 1920s.
28. FTMCEX_100705_230.JPG: Carriage, 4 Pounder Field Gun: This rare gun carriage was found on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Light cannon were standard equipment for field armies during the War of 1812. Field guns and carriages were stored, maintained, and issued from the brick Gun Shed at Fort McHenry (near present day Visitor Center).
29. FTMCEX_100705_255.JPG: 1814 Enlisted Men's Barracks, No. 2: Of the 60 soldiers in Captain Frederick Evans' company, US Corps of Artillery, 16 soldiers occupied this room, sleeping four to a bunk. To enhance an esprit de corps, the color yellow, signifying the artillery service, was used on the wood trim and on the soldiers' uniforms. The soldiers, whose names were inscribed on the bunks, served for five years or the duration of the war, and received $8 per month. Recruiting Notice: Of these "reputable young men" who garrisoned Ft. McHenry, only a third were born in America. In addition to the land bounties that had encouraged them to enlist, others served with a sense of patriotism defending their new home.
30. FTMCEX_100705_258.JPG: 1814 Enlisted Men's Barracks, No. 2: Of the 60 soldiers in Captain Frederick Evans' company, US Corps of Artillery, 16 soldiers occupied this room, sleeping four to a bunk. To enhance an esprit de corps, the color yellow, signifying the artillery service, was used on the wood trim and on the soldiers' uniforms. The soldiers, whose names were inscribed on the bunks, served for five years or the duration of the war, and received $8 per month. Recruiting Notice: Of these "reputable young men" who garrisoned Ft. McHenry, only a third were born in America. In addition to the land bounties that had encouraged them to enlist, others served with a sense of patriotism defending their new home.
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Same Subject: Click on this link to see coverage of items having the same subject: [(NPS) Ft McHenry Natl Monument] [Display ALL (NPS) Ft McHenry Natl Monument photos] [Park (National Park Service)] [War of 1812] [Display ALL War of 1812 photos]
2010 photos: Equipment this year: I mostly used the Fuji S100fs until the third one broke and I started sending them back for repairs. Then I used either the Fuji S200EHX or the Nikon D90 until I got the S100fs ones repaired. At the end of the year I bought a Nikon D5000 but I returned it pretty quickly. Trips this year: Civil War Trust conferences (Lexington, KY and Nashville, TN), and my 5th consecutive San Diego Comic-Con trip (including Los Angeles). My office at the main Commerce Department building closed in October and I was shifted out to the Bureau of the Census in Suitland Maryland. It's good to have a job of course but that killed being able to see basically any cultural events during the day. There's basically nothing of interest that you can see around the Census building. Number of photos taken this year: about 395,000..
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