Fort Whetstone

During the American Revolution a small earthen star fort known as Fort Whetstone was constructed at the end of the peninsula that led to the entrance of the Baltimore harbor. Although the fort was never attacked during the American Revolution, military experts saw the importance of coastal defenses around the young United States’ third largest city and one of its most vital ports.

 

 

Arrow indicates the location of Whetstone Point at the mouth of Baltimore Harbor.

Folie, A.P. Plan of the Town of Baltimore and its Environs. 1792 Map, Fort McHenry Library.

Whetstone Point

Fort McHenry sits on Whetstone Point, a narrow peninsula that juts into the Patapsco River at Baltimore’s southern tip and creates a natural choke point for maritime traffic entering Baltimore Harbor. In the early eighteenth century, the Maryland Colonial Assembly established Whetstone Point as Baltimore’s Port of Entry. While Baltimore lay inland and relatively protected, its harbor was wide open to ships entering from the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay. Because Whetstone Point projects into the river, narrowing the entry into the Baltimore harbor, it offered an ideal location to monitor shipping and maritime activity.

During the American Revolution, Baltimore became a vital supply hub. Unlike other East Coast ports under British control—such as New York and Philadelphia—Baltimore remained largely untouched. With little interference from the British Army or Royal Navy, Baltimore attracted merchants and privateers eager to supply Patriot forces. The Port of Baltimore thrived on trade with the West Indies, bringing essential goods that supported the war effort. Baltimore also lay at the center of the mid-Atlantic grain trade, sending supplies to General Washington’s Army almost daily by war’s end. Beyond trade, Baltimore served as a privateer base and shipbuilding hub. Merchants shipped flour and grain to the West Indies and France, while shipyards at Fells Point built and converted vessels for privateering raids against British ships. These advantages made Baltimore a tempting target early in the Revolutionary War. Although the British ranked Baltimore below New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston in strategic importance, locals feared an eventual attack.

By summer and fall of 1775, leaders debated how to defend the city. In early 1776, Maryland’s governing bodies acted decisively. They chose Whetstone Point for a fortification to block British incursions as its geography offered a prime defensive position. Once construction began, Fort Whetstone became Baltimore’s main fortification from 1776 to 1783.

 

Fort Whetstone Takes Shape

On January 29, 1776—ten months after British troops fired on Massachusetts militia at Lexington—the Maryland Congress of Deputies resolved to fortify Annapolis and Baltimore. The Maryland Council of Safety immediately sought cannons, requesting loans from colonies such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Soon after, Nathaniel Smith received a captain’s commission and £200 in "common money for subsist and advance money for his recruits." Initially assigned a company of light infantry, Smith was quickly ordered to command an artillery company, later known as The 1st Maryland Matrosses Independent Company.

After resolving that defenses be built in Baltimore, the Baltimore Committee of Observation began surveying Whetstone Point and other sites along the Patapsco River. The Maryland Committee of Safety instructed them to acquire a Chevaux de frise, a defensive obstacle, for river protection. This barrier was crucial to block British ships from slipping past Whetstone’s defenses. A February 2 letter noted, "the Council went to Whetstone Point to inform themselves of the situation thereof and consider the practicability of fortifying the same." On February 3, the Council intensified preparations. They ordered cannons at Fells Point secured, allocated £100 for Smith’s recruits, and set aside £6,400 for building defenses and barriers. Though inexperienced in naval defense, the Council recognized its importance. They considered deploying the ship Defence to patrol Baltimore Harbor and the Patapsco River. Defence carried twenty-two six-pound cannons and swivel guns. Meanwhile, the Council arranged to mount a mix of light artillery (two-, three-, and four-pounders) and heavier six- and twelve-pound cannons for Baltimore’s defense.

As cannons moved toward Baltimore, Samuel Purviance, leader of the Baltimore Committee of Observation and part of the survey team, reported, “we have about 50 hands at work on a battery since Tuesday at Whetstone, and nearly 200 more employed in providing timber, logs, smiths’ work, etc., for the boom.” The boom served as a physical barrier to block enemy ships from entering the channel to Baltimore Town.

 

The Defenders of Fort Whetstone:
The 1st Company of Maryland Matrosses Independent

Maryland’s defense in towns like Baltimore and Annapolis relied on both State Troops of infantry and state artillery companies. These companies manned defensive positions and fortifications.

In January 1776, the Maryland Convention authorized two Maryland State Artillery Companies. Captain Nathaniel Smith commanded the 1st Company of Maryland Matrosses Independent at Fort Whetstone. Captain John Fulford led the 2nd Company in Annapolis.

By October 1776, a third company formed and stationed in Baltimore and Fort Whetstone. At year’s end, Nathaniel Smith earned promotion to major, and Captain Alexander Furnival assumed command of the 1st Company.

A matross was an artillery soldier who assisted gunners in loading and firing cannons. Matrosses handled loading and firing procedures, maneuvered cannons, and sponged barrels after firing. They also protected artillery and ammunition wagons during deployments and marches.

The 1st Company at Fort Whetstone defended the fort and its cannons. They trained frequently, practiced loading drills, and maintained the guns. The company included ninety-two privates, four sergeants, four corporals, and a drummer and fifer.

Life at Fort Whetstone was harsh. Troops lacked clothing, food, equipment, and pay. Desertions were common, with newspapers posting deserter descriptions in 1776–1777. Poor conditions and logistical challenges plagued militias, state troops, and the Continental Army alike.

Most men in the 1st Company lived in or near Baltimore before hostilities began. Others came from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and neighboring states. Many were recent immigrants from Ireland and Germany, reflecting a broader trend of immigrants fighting for the American cause. The men were largely skilled and unskilled laborers and tradesmen before enlistment. For many, the promise of steady employment and the allure of soldiering drove enlistment.

Clothing varied widely. Local militias and state units depended on availability and the commander’s ability to acquire supplies. The 1st Company wore royal blue coats with white facings and buttons marked “MMI” for “Maryland Matross Independent.” The term “Independent” signified the company’s autonomy from larger regiments. Despite having a regimental uniform, supply shortages forced men to wear civilian clothes or whatever they could find. Deserter descriptions confirm this lack of uniformity.