At Fort McHenry, 4 Americans were killed during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.
Understanding the Casualties at Fort McHenry
The Battle of Baltimore, a pivotal engagement during the War of 1812, included a significant naval bombardment of Fort McHenry by British forces. Despite the intense shelling, the fort's defenses held strong, resulting in relatively low American casualties.
Fort McHenry Specifics
During the direct assault on Fort McHenry, American forces sustained the following casualties:
- Killed: 4
- Wounded: 24
These figures highlight the effectiveness of the fort's defenses against the sustained British attack.
Broader Battle of Baltimore Casualties
To provide a comprehensive view, the Battle of Baltimore encompassed multiple engagements, including the land battle at North Point and the defense of Hampstead Hill, in addition to the bombardment of Fort McHenry. The overall American and British casualties for the entire battle are summarized below:
| Location / Type of Casualty | American Casualties | British Casualties |
|---|---|---|
| Fort McHenry | 4 killed, 24 wounded | 1 wounded |
| North Point & Hampstead Hill | 24 killed, 139 wounded, 50 captured | 39–46 killed, 251–295 wounded |
| Total (Battle of Baltimore) | 28 killed, 163 wounded, 50 captured | 39–46 killed, 252–296 wounded |
The resilience demonstrated by the defenders of Fort McHenry, despite facing a powerful British fleet, was a major factor in the American victory at Baltimore. This event famously inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," which later became the national anthem of the United States.
For more detailed historical context on this critical engagement, you can explore the Battle of Baltimore.
