Fort Babcock Site
Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
Marker Inscription
This Cannon Marks the Site of Fort Babcock
Erected by The National Star Spangled Banner Centennial Commission
The Story
A cannon here marks the site of Fort Babcock, one of the small waterfront batteries that helped defend Baltimore during the British assault of September 1814. Manned during the bombardment that failed to break the city, it formed part of the layered defenses that held the line. The marker was erected in 1914 for the centennial.
Why it matters
Fort Babcock was part of the successful defense of Baltimore in the War of 1812, a turning point that lifted American morale and gave rise to 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'
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Related events
- Β· Battle of Baltimore
Themes & tags
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