Battle of Baltimore

The Battle of Baltimore (September 12–15, 1814) took place between British and American forces in the War of 1812. American forces repulsed sea and land invasions off the busy port city of Baltimore, Maryland, and killed the commander of the invading British forces.

Battle of Baltimore
Part of the War of 1812

The bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British. Engraved by John Bower
DateSeptember 12–15, 1814
Location
Baltimore, Maryland
39°15′48″N 76°34′47″W
Result American victory
Belligerents
United States United Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Samuel Smith
John Stricker
George Armistead		 Robert Ross †
Alexander Cochrane
Arthur Brooke
Strength
North Point:
3,000
infantry,
militia
Hampstead Hill
10,000 regulars
2,000–5,000 infantry militia,
100+ Guns
Fort McHenry:
1,000 infantry militia

20 artillery pieces
Additional Defense:
8,000 militia
150 artillery pieces
Total:
22,000–25,000		 Land:
5,000 infantry
Sea:
19 warships
Casualties and losses
North Point & Hampstead Hill:
24 killed,
139 wounded,
50 captured
Fort McHenry:
4 killed,
24 wounded
Total:
28 killed,
163 wounded,
50 captured		 North Point & Hampstead Hill:
39–46 killed,
251–295 wounded
Fort McHenry:
1 wounded
Total:
39–46 killed,
252–296 wounded

The British and Americans first met at the Battle of North Point. Though the Americans retreated, the battle was a successful delaying action that inflicted heavy casualties on the British, halted their advance, and allowed the defenders at Baltimore to prepare for an attack.

The resistance of Baltimore's Fort McHenry during bombardment by the Royal Navy inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry", which later became the lyrics for "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States.

Future U.S. president James Buchanan served as a private in the defense of Baltimore.

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