Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Category: Historical landmark in Baltimore, Maryland

Address: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA

Phone: +14109624290

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–5PM

Monday: 8AM–5PM

Tuesday: 8AM–5PM

Wednesday: 8AM–5PM

Thursday: 8AM–5PM

Friday: 8AM–5PM

Saturday: 8AM–5PM

Reviews

Nancy K

Oct 2, 2022

Interesting history & beautiful view.

Wanda Schlutt

Sep 30, 2022

A great place to visit!

Anand Rao

Sep 30, 2022

Very friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic NPS rangers. Beautiful and scenic location. Very significant piece of early American history, especially the origin of the the American National Anthem - The Star Spangled Banner. You are unlikely to find so much open space, right by the water, elsewhere in Baltimore City. Parking is ample. 5 times a year, the NPS offers fee free days. Two thumbs up 👍🏼 👍🏼 👏

Michael Young

Sep 30, 2022

Excellent

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Questions & Answers

Is it true that the star spangled banner poem was written there? Just wondering because I have been traveling with my family and we're going to be coming there on Monday from Knoxville TN.

Lloyd Foster | Oct 2, 2018
Tim Kovacich | Oct 2, 2018

This is definately worthwhile. As others said, the attack on the fort inspired the star spangled banner. The author witnessed the attack on the fort from a ship in the harbor and was unsure at dawn who's flag was flying over the fort, meaning who won the battle. Spoiler alert, the rest is history.

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Why is it famous

Valeria Santos | Oct 2, 2018
L Guerra Jr | Oct 2, 2019

Every time you hear our national anthem, you are listening to the first-hand account of the bombardment of Fort McHenry in song. It is a symbol of the resilience of our forefathers and their commitment to liberty. At least that's what I take from it.

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how many British ships were sunk or damaged during the battle at the fort? how many Americans were lost as well

Steve Tomaselli | Oct 2, 2019
Ruben Kelly | Oct 2, 2019

A very interesting question. I will have to research the answer for you

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What are the price of tickets? And is there a discount for students?

Axl Rosado-Brooks | Oct 2, 2019
Michael Hurtt | Oct 2, 2019

Over 16 years = $15. 15 years and younger = Free. They do accept all of the regular Access Passes. If traveling with a group of students, you can apply ahead for a fee waiver.

What is open, if anything, during government shutdown? Can you still walk around?

Maya Kirk | Oct 2, 2019
Dustin Tarditi | Oct 2, 2019

The gates to get to the fort will be locked

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Can you buy food at Fort McHenry

T Kelly | Oct 2, 2019
Andy 2 | Oct 2, 2019

No food on site and while there and a little hungry I learned that federal officers can not make recommendations for a good place to eat. It was a weird response but I guess it is considered an endorsement of some kind

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Do you pay for entry?

Alysia Ramos Trittenbach | Oct 2, 2018
James Marriott | Oct 2, 2018

Parking is free. It's also free to enter The modern visitor center, which contains some artifacts and museum stuff, a gift shop, and modern handicap bathrooms. You can walk around the entire outside of the old fort for free. Unless you have a US National Park Pass of some sort, Entry to the interior of the old fort requires a ticket purchase in the modern visitor center.

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Is there a parking area for fort mchenry visitors? Or where is the nearest parking place ??

Dhruba jyoti Das | Oct 2, 2018
IOANNIS D | Oct 2, 2018

There is a big parking lot just outside the visitors center - easiest parking ever.

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How much entrance fee

Fatima Ulao-fernandez | Oct 2, 2018
Ken Marx | Oct 2, 2018

We had 4 adults, one who lives in Baltimore. He was able to buy a one year pass for $40, which also covered our admission that day.

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How many people died on the battle of mchenery

Arleth Cervantes | Oct 2, 2018
chris gadway | Oct 2, 2018

Only 4 Americans at fort McHenry. 24 at North point

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Typically speaking, how long does it take to complete the Junior Ranger program here?

Christopher Pece | Oct 2, 2018
P Thomas | Oct 2, 2018

You have to go to the park service website

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Are dogs allowed?

Amy Sicard | Oct 2, 2017
James Rogers | Oct 2, 2017

Dogs on a lease - no dogs inside wood fence surrounding the fort.

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How many sides are there.

Jessika Dunscombe | Oct 1, 2021
Lorraine Perez | Oct 1, 2021

It is like a star

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What is the best time of day to visit?

Erica Colton | Oct 1, 2021
Tyler Kunzman | Oct 1, 2021

We visited 2 days ago and the park is currently open surrounding the star fort. However, the structure itself is closed with a fence reaching all the way around due to covid. You can get a general feel for the size etc, but due to the strategic placement of the barriers you cannot see much. If your local or dont have a very long drive it's worth the visit. Also, there is a sugar mill near the entrance to the park with huge piles of sugar right out in the open. Its quite impressive & would be fun for kids to see too.

Is there a cost to visit?

Jennifer Slattery | Oct 1, 2020
Dione Viana | Oct 1, 2020

No

Can you tame a picnic lunch onyo Ft M

Don Cosner | Oct 2, 2019
Jinmin Zhou | Oct 2, 2019

The whole area basically is a park with the bay view , without the entrance to the museum portion of the fort.

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Can you walk the grounds after closing

Missy White | Oct 2, 2019
Rene Rodriguez | Oct 2, 2019

When I went to Baltimore to see my children and grandson they took me to the STRONG I liked the pick up and know about their history

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are the kids free for the historic part

16 29 | Oct 2, 2019
Bobby Poist | Oct 2, 2019

Yes

Is there a free parking lot here?

Muj Mas | Oct 2, 2019
Ray Wingo | Oct 2, 2019

Yes, the parking lot is free, but you must be out of it shortly after closing time as they lock the front gates... Have fun...

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did a mortar shell hit the building housing all of the forts gun powder,

Steve Tomaselli | Oct 2, 2019
vikram bhatia | Oct 2, 2019

Yes, but the bomb was a dud due to rain

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what was the name of the lady who died while at the fort helping the troops, and did the Africian American solider who died due to his injuries get a full military burrial?

Steve Tomaselli | Oct 2, 2019
Chris Giaccone | Oct 2, 2019

William Williams was the African American who was killed. There were only 4 killed and 24 wounded so, although not impossible, it seems unlikely that one of the other three killed would be a woman. It's remarkable though that the casualties in general were so low. There were over 1000 soldiers occupying the fort, most of them exposed and in the open and the bombardment lasted 25 hours. It could have been worse and almost was. Visit the fort and you will learn all about it. If you are like me and can feel a strong connection to history I can guarantee you will find it to be a powerful experience.

what types of cannons were at the fort and their range. is there anything to visit of the two forts 1.5 miles west of the fort to visit

Steve Tomaselli | Oct 2, 2019
Jinmin Zhou | Oct 2, 2019

Some of the cannons are original at the fort, others are from different historical sites.

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Were there any delays in building fort mchenry or problems during construction? How much did it cost to complete?

Jackilynn Norris | Oct 2, 2019
Joseph Mulé | Oct 2, 2019

I dont remember seeing costs to complete while visiting, but there is a good exhibit that shows the fort's configuration over time

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If it is opened during the government shutdown.

shouxiang yin | Oct 2, 2019
Gena Keller | Oct 2, 2019

They may not have the guided tours, but you can still walk around and enjoy the history.

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As a cub scout we visited Fort McHenry back in 1956, are all the building and gun mounts in there original locations ?

Gale Alexander | Oct 2, 2019
Dustin Tarditi | Oct 2, 2019

Yes, but it has matured tremendously since then. The visitors center is top notch

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Tomorrow is open or not?

Janifa Akter | Oct 2, 2019
salvatore seeley | Oct 2, 2019

Closed...check out the alerts on their website

Just wondering, could i bring a fishing rod? Just one & just sit by the water and enjoy . Id really love that.

Christina Carmello | Oct 2, 2019
Chuck Cheelsman | Oct 2, 2019

It's a National Park No fishing. But there are many benches to sit and enjoy 😊

Where did it end?

XxWild SniperxX | Oct 2, 2018
Mark Garland | Oct 2, 2018

Where did what end?

Have there ever been a request to host a Forth of July celebration in side of the Fort and is it possible?

Warren Foster | Oct 2, 2018
Anneca Sarver | Oct 2, 2018

Not sure . You would have to ask the Parks department.

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Are Ft. McHenry and Ft. Henry the same?

Harry Kahn | Oct 2, 2018
Ben R | Oct 2, 2018

No. Fort Henry is located further south in the Tennessee/Kentucky area and Fort McHenry is located in Baltimore, Maryland. Fort McHenry is associated with the battle during which Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner during the War of 1812. I believe Fort Henry is associated more with the Civil War.

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How long does a typical visit take?

Rob Jose | Oct 2, 2018
Mark Garland | Oct 2, 2018

It depends on what you want to get out of it....you can do a whirlwind tour of 30-45 minutes hitting the high points or you spend 2-3 hours and see everything. As with any national park....you get out of it what you put into it. Hope this helps!

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How much does it cost to get in to fort mchenry

Taylor Meyer | Oct 2, 2018
Mark Garland | Oct 2, 2018

Fees & Reservations Entrance Fees The entrance fee to the historic area of the park is $15.00 for adults 16 years of age and older; children 15 and younger are free. This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. You must keep your entrance receipt to re-enter the park in the 7-day time period. America the Beautiful or Fort McHenry annual Passes are alternatives to the above fees. All passes can be purchased or obtained at the Visitor Center Information Desk between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm or between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Park Annual Pass Frequent visitors to Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine may want to purchase a Fort McHenry Annual Pass. This $45.00 pass provides entrance to pass owner and any three adults. The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Interagency Annual Pass The $80 Interagency Annual Pass provides entrance or access to pass owner and t

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How much is a addmission fee for adult and minor ????

Mandeep Kaur | Oct 2, 2018
Tracey Fredrick | Oct 2, 2018

$10 for adults (16 y.o. And older), 15 and under is free.

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How ,many annual visitors visit for mchenry

Luna Nightmare69 | Oct 2, 2018
Lynn Holthaus | Oct 2, 2018

Email them for that kind of info. Its a great place to visit.

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Can you fish here? If so, do you need a license?

V Ridgley | Oct 2, 2018
Keith Rogers | Oct 2, 2018

Yes, you need a license to fish.

What significance did Fort McHenry have in the defence of Baltimore?

Admiral_ Hipster | Oct 2, 2018
Kenneth Kantor | Oct 2, 2018

It was the key installation for the defense of Baltimore in the War of 1812

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What is the rounded Estimate for four people? ( two adults and two children?)

Kaylee Karrasch | Oct 2, 2018
Ferg | Oct 2, 2018

The entrance fee to the historic area of the park is $10.00 for adults 16 years of age and older; children 15 and younger are free. This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

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Is Fort McKinley a working military base?

Laura Gehrke | Oct 2, 2018
David Adair | Oct 2, 2018

No, historical

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Is there parking?

Andrew Clark | Oct 2, 2017
Kim Harper | Oct 2, 2017

Yes and its free

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What going on today?

Peggy Sparks | Oct 2, 2017
Frank Gunzburg | Oct 2, 2017

They always have rangers giving talks. Call for special programs.

Are people allowed to bring metal detector?

Nicolas Curran | Oct 2, 2017
William Gay | Oct 2, 2017

Since it is a National Historic Site, you should check with the rangers at the Visitors Center before using any metal detectors. Anything you find may be considered US government property.

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