Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort Mchenry stands tall in Baltimore for the role it played in the war that broke out in 1812. Baltimore Harbour was under attack during that war. It was then that this fort came to its rescue keeping the British navy at bay.

1. History of Fort Machinery National Monument and Historic Shrine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_McHenry

Fort Machinery National Monument and Historic Shrine has history behind it. The war that broke out in 1812 gave Fort McHenry the title of "A Nest of Pirates." During this period of 1812 when France and Great Britain were at war with each other, American ships carrying supplies were confiscated by either France or Great Britain. Seamen were forced to serve the royal navy of Great Britain. Angered at the attitude of Great Britain, Government of America declared war on them. Private ships of Baltimore were permitted to capture British merchant vessels which they did and therefore came to be known as 'A Nest of Pirates.'

During World War I Fort Machinery National Monument and Historic Shrine served as a military base. A hospital was constructed housing 3,000 beds. In fact it served as a treatment centre as well that saw wounded soldiers on their way to civilian life or duty after they got treated. The Baltimore traveling remains incomplete without a visit to this wonderful heritage construction.

2. Present Situation of Fort Machinery National Monument and Historic Shrine

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/214125/Fort-McHenry-National-Monument-and-Historic-Shrine

http://www.tripcart.com/usa-regions/Capital/historical-sites/Fort-McHenry-National-Monument-Historic-Shrine.html

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2826389-fort_mchenry_national_monument_and_historic_shrine_baltimore-i

The five-pointed Star Fort was strongly built of brick. Four barracks stood to garrison that consists of "Junior Officers' Quarters", "Commanding Officer's Quarters" on two sides. Two other sides houses buildings for common soldiers. The guardhouse that stood close to the "Commanding Officer's Quarters" had two-fold aspects. One, guards worked & lived, and two, it played the role of confining unruly soldiers. Exactly in the middle of "Junior Officers' Quarters" there is the "Commanding Officer's Quarters". There is the "Powder Magazine", the storehouse of gunpowder.