Outer Battery

Just a small section of the preserved Rodman cannons still positioned on the outer battery.

NPS/Tim Ervin

Quick Facts

Location:

Baltimore, MD

Significance:

The outer battery was essential for coastal defense. The preserved defenses and cannon give the fort an appearance for how it would have looked closer to the Civil War.

Amenities

5 listed

Accessible Sites, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

The Fort McHenry outer battery first began to see its modern shape come to fruition in the 1840's when improvements were made to the fort's defenses. The outer battery is one of the aspects that gives the fort more of an appearance for how it would have looked during the Civil War, rather than the War of 1812. Originally the battery was outfitted with large Columbiad guns meant for coastal defense. In 1866 the military began replacing these guns with the larger Rodman guns. Fort McHenry boasts the largest collection Rodman cannons with a collection of 8, 10, and 15 inch guns. The Rodmans are no longer active with their last firings occuring on June 30, 1903. 

In visiting the outer battery visitors can get quite a view, and a first hand visit into history. Brick paths allow visitors to walk in the outer defenses between the walls of the original fort and the earthen mounds, as well as on top of the outer battery walls. Some powder magazines are still open for visitors to enter and explore. Not to mention you can get up close and personal with original, massive, Rodman cannons that are over 150 years old!