Living history volunteers in Civil War unforms posing with Rodman gun
Living history volunteers in Civil War uniform in front of Fort McHenry barracks

April 1861: Civil War Comes to Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Special Event
  • Every day at 10:00 AM from April 26, 2025 to April 27, 2025
  • Fees apply
During the Civil War, over 2,000 civilians were arrested and imprisoned in Fort McHenry, including the grandson of Francis Scott Key. These charges varied in severity and veracity, but most of the citizens held in Fort McHenry were held indefinitely, made possible by Lincoln’s wartime suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. Learn about the first bloodshed of the American Civil War and Fort McHenry’s prominent role. Living historians will portray the defenders of April 1861 with demonatrations including guard mount, musket drill and field music.
 

Schedule

10:00 a.m. Rally Round the Flag!—Morning Flag Change and Dress Parade
Location: Star Fort
 
10:45 a.m. Skirmish Drill!
Location: Outside Fort
 
11:15 a.m. Ranger Program—American Bastille:The Civil War at Fort McHenry
Location: Chesapeake Bay Map
 
12:00 p.m. “Roast Beef!”—Fife and Drum program
Location: Inside Fort
 
1:00 p.m. Bayonet Drill
Location: Outside Fort
 
2:15 p.m Ranger Program—American Bastille:The Civil War at Fort McHenry
Location: Chesapeake Bay Map
 
4:00 p.m.  Retreat—Evening Flag Change
Location: Star Fort

Fees

Fort McHenry NM&HS requires an entry fee of $15 per adult (ages 16 and older) in order to enter the Historic Zone (where the historic star fort structure is located). The remaining park grounds, visitor center, and movie are free to visit. Entrance passes can be purchased at the park visitor center from 9 AM - 4 PM. Park registers are cashless. Entrance passes are good for 7 days with a valid receipt. For information go to: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Location

Latitude and Longitude 39.263223, -76.579862

Schedule

Days:

Every day

Dates:

April 26, 2025 to April 27, 2025

Time:

10:00 AM

Duration:

6 hours

Event Type

  • Living History
  • Talk
Tags: american civil war, living history, military history