Existing comment:
1829: Strengthening the Fort:
Today, the fort appears much as it did following extensive renovations between 1829 and 1836.
Improvements included the addition of earthworks, removal of trees, and reinforcement of earthen ramparts with brick and granite walls. To provide for a larger garrison s second story was added to the interior buildings.
Eventually, the quiet lapping of the Patapsco River replaced the noise of construction, and the fort remained a peaceful, quiet post until the Mexican-American War.
Like the fort, the American flag changed a great deal following the War of 1812. Congress returned the flag to its 13-stripe design and called for additional stars to represent states added to the union. |