Baltimore’s concentration of historic, cultural, and natural resources makes the city a truly unique place. The city has been witness to events that have dramatically altered the course of the nation’s history. Over the centuries it has also been witness to more subtle changes in the way Americans work, play, and live. With heritage area designation, both the state of Maryland and the U.S. Congress have acknowledged Baltimore for its capacity to tell these important stories.
The outer battery of Fort McHenry displays one of the largest collection of original Rodman guns, as well as preserving the historic structure of the fort's 19th century outer defenses.
The Star Fort Historic Zone is the centerpiece of the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The area features the original fort structure that was bombarded in the War of 1812 inspiring the National Anthem. It also features the historic outer battery with original Rodman cannons dating back to the 1860s. Inside the fort are historic structures that include various exhibits and museums.
The powder magazine is what made forts effective. Without secure way to store gun powder, forts' guns would be rendered useless, thus rendering the fort useless.
The water battery is reconstructed to give an idea of some of the outer defenses of Fort McHenry. The site today also provides opportunities for living history demonstrations.
