View of the Bombardment of Fort McHenry

This rare image depicts a key moment in American history during the War of 1812. The original painting was the basis for the earliest known print view (later published by John Bower) of the bombardment of Fort McHenry, which began on September 13, 1814. The view was taken from the observatory tower on Federal Hill in Baltimore, looking southeast toward the fort on Whetstone Point, with the British ships in the harbor beyond. Maryland lawyer and poet Francis Scott Key, observing from a truce ship the valiant defense of the fort during the 25-hour bombardment, was inspired to write the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which would become our national anthem. The painted image also includes numerous other original details related to the event, including the famous “bombs bursting in air” and the ships scuttled by the Americans to prevent the navigation of enemy ships. This watercolor view was acquired by Fort McHenry NMHS from the family of a descendant of the likely original owner, Dr. John Buckler of Baltimore. Buckler is recorded as having been a member of the Baltimore Fencibles, a volunteer artillery company which served at Fort McHenry during the bombardment.