FORT McHENRY: AN AMERICAN FORT Revolutionary War 1776-1783 Fort McHenry's history began in 1776 when the citizens of Baltimore Town feared an attack by British ships. An earthen star fort known as Fort Whetstone was quickly constructed. The fort, like Baltimore, was never attacked during our first conflict with England. The Formative Years, 1794-1811 In 1793, France declared a war on England that became known as the Napoleonic Wars. In 1794, Congress authorized the construction of a series of coastal forts to protect our maritime frontier. Construction began on Fort McHenry in 1798 and, by 1803, the masonry walls we view today were completed. The fort was named for James McHenry, our second Secretary of War.

• The Battle Of Fort Mchenry

In 1809, the U.S. Army's first light artillery unit was organized here. The War of 1812 On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on England, in part to 'preserve Free Trade & Sailor's Rights.' In August 1814, British forces marched on Washington, defeated U.S. Office 2016office2016 for mac. Forces, and burned the Capitol. Then, on September 13-14, the British attacked Fort McHenry.

Fort McHenry, a brick star-shaped fort guarding the mouth of the harbor, prepared for battle. The fort's commander, Major George Armistead, positioned extra cannon, and recruited volunteers to man the fort during the anticipated attack.

The Battle Of Fort Mchenry

The failure of the bombardment and sight of the American flag inspired Francis Scott Key to compose 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Construction Period, 1829-1842 Following the War of 1812, new methods of coastal defense brought about changes that resulted in the fort we view today. Among the changes was the addition of a second story with porches on the buildings and the completion of new earthen battery with larger guns. Download droid explorer. The Mexican War, 1846-1848 During the war years, Maryland units, as well as federal units, were trained here before being sent to war with Mexico. Soon after this conflict, Colonel R.E. Lee came to Baltimore to supervise construction of Fort Carroll (1848-1852) in Baltimore harbor. Gecko sdks for mac. The Civil War, 1861-1865 During the war, Baltimore was an important rail and communications center.