Fort McHenry

History: During the Civil War, citizens suspected of contributing to the rebellion were detained at here at Fort McHenry. It served as a transfer point for Confederate prisoners of war, most of whom were kept in buildings and stockades right outside fort. Hi-security prisoners, however, were locked up inside here. Built in 1835 and enlarged in 1857, this guardhouse one of the best preserved buildings in the star fort. Soldiers on duty in this room once guarded military offenders in the adjacent cells.

More to Explore: The National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center are favorite places for families and adults to uncover nature's mysteries. Take a walk along the Inner Harbor on the Promenade that connects these two attractions, and enjoy restaurants, shops and more along the way. Check out the massive Barnes & Noble Bookstore inside Baltimore's former Power Plant, a remnant of the Inner Harbor's industrial days. On the opposite side of the harbor is the American Visionary Art Museum, where you can conjure your creative vision while seeing what others have imagined and manifested.

Photo Credits:

1. “Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md. 1861.” Courtesy of Library of Congress.