The Guard of Baltimore: The Defense of Fort McHenry
Imagine standing on the shore of Baltimore Harbor in September 1814. The sky is dark with storm clouds, and the thunderous boom of heavy cannon fire shakes the ground beneath your feet. Great Britain and the young United States were locked in the War of 1812, a battle over trade, land, and freedom at sea. Just weeks earlier, British troops had marched into Washington, D.C., burning down the Capitol building and the White House. Now, their powerful navy turned toward Baltimore, a busy trading port. Standing between the British fleet and the city was a single, strong fortress: Fort McHenry.
Fort McHenry was built in a special five-pointed star shape. This clever architectural design allowed defenders to fire cannons in every direction, leaving no hidden blind spots for enemies to attack. Recognizing the danger ahead, the fort's commander, Major George Armistead, wanted to send a bold message to the approaching enemy. He commissioned a local flag maker named Mary Pickersgill to sew a massive flag—one so large that the British could see it from miles away. Working with her daughter and young assistants, Pickersgill crafted a wool banner measuring 30 feet tall and 42 feet wide.
- architectural:
- Relating to the design and style of buildings or physical structures.
- bombardment:
- A continuous and heavy attack with bombs, shells, or artillery fire.
- ramparts:
- Defensive wall-like embankments surrounding a fort or castle.
- stronghold:
- A fortified place built to defend against attacks.
- fleet:
- A group of warships sailing together under one command.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did the British navy turn its attention toward Baltimore in September 1814?
- 2How did the five-pointed star shape of Fort McHenry help defenders protect the harbor?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“The Guard of Baltimore: The Defense of Fort McHenry” is a explanatory article reading passage about Fort McHenry and the War of 1812, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (435 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.