Bastion 3

Living historians honor Sergeant John Clemm and Lt. Levi Clagett who were killed on Bastion 3.

NPS/Tim Ervin

Quick Facts

Location:

Baltimore, MD

Significance:

The sight of two of the American fatalities during the bombardment of Fort McHenry.

Amenities

3 listed

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

Bastion 3 looks out on to the Ferry Branch of the Patapsco River where on the night of September 13, 1814 Capt. Charles Napier led 1,200 British officers, sailors, and marines on an attempted surprise attack flanking Fort McHenry on 20 barges. The attackers were spotted, fired upon, and repelled by American artillerists. 

This bastion came under direct fire during the bombardment of the fort. Pvt. Isaac Monroe editor of the Baltimore Patriot and standing untouched with the gun crew here on bastion three described the horror:

""By early afternoon September 13th, a nor’easter brought heavy showers and rain on Captain Nicholson’s Baltimore Fencibles Artillery gun crew. At 2pm a bomb would slam into Bastion 3 instantly killing Lt. Levi Claggett [sic] and severely wounding four other men. A 24 pounder was knocked off its carriage. A second bomb would burst over the bastion. Shrapnel the size of a silver dollar tore through Sergeant John Clemm killing him on the spot. These were citizen soldiers, two of the four men killed during the bombardment and were prominent flour merchants and investors in Baltimore’s Privateer trade."