On the Patuxent River leading into Baltimore is a peninsula that holds a great tract of land that was once crucial for American safety. During the Battle of Baltimore on September 12, 1814, the British landed on this 92 acre tract to begin their attack on Baltimore. The British were unsuccessful and beaten back to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Thereafter, Fort Howard was established as a military base in the beginning of the 1900’s, and was fortified with artillery stations. In 1902, the fort was named after the American Revolutionary War Patriot, Colonel John Eagar Howard. Utilized as a training and military site through the 1960’s, Fort Howard was nicknamed “Bulldog at Baltimore’s Gate.”
It was a rare bird sighting that caused me to travel to Fort Howard. I had heard of the fort from a meetup group known as the Mid-Atlantic Urban Explorers. Photographers that travel to photograph abandoned locals. The area has a large fenced in area with many abandoned buildings, homes, and military structures. I’m guessing that the Urban Explorers jump the fence to capture the ghosts of the past.
This day was filled with fog, giving an eerie feel to the old bunkers left standing for visitors. With expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay that were hidden by the fog, thoughts of a Stephen King novel came to mind.
Two cannons remain standing to protect the fort from threatening forces.
Artillery bunkers remain standing, some tucked into the landscape for protection. One looked as if it had been a holding pen for prisoners.
A Battery Nicholson that held two six-foot guns during 1900 to 1927 stand strong, ready to defend.
Yes, I did have to look that up as I had no idea what a Battery Nicholson was.
The fog really set the mood for my visit for Fort Howard. As I was there in search of a bird, the remnants of Fort Howard were an unexpected discovery. I’m hoping to make it back later on this week with better lighting conditions to capture that little bird and to explore the fort more.
I may be going a little crazy with the presets available to me with the free OnOne plugins for Lightroom. But it’s been fun to create something a little different than usual. Let me know what you think!
Hope you’re having a sunny day! Bella
Categories: Baltimore, Birds, Foot Prints, history, Maryland Area Hikes, Nature, travel, War of 1812
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
I loved both the photos and the history lesson! As far as your use of plugins for Lightroom so far, I don’t think that you’ve gone overboard as so many people do, your photos still look natural.
In a way, I think that the easy access to post-processing software is killing the essence of photography. So many people with very little skill as a photographer go out and take what are really poor snapshots, then try to edit them into something special, I do not put you in that group. Photography is a skill onto itself, and so is post-processing, but they are different skills in my mind. My goal every time I push the shutter release is to produce a photo that needs no post-processing of any kind, but that’s just me. I suppose that’s because I’ve seen so many bad attempts at turning a sow’s ear into a silk purse with software.
You have a great natural eye for capturing a wide variety of subjects in photos, and even more talent in translating what you see into fantastic photos, so I hope you don’t get lured to the “dark side” of extreme post-processing, but again, that’s just this old fart’s opinion.
I truly appreciate you taking the time and sharing your thoughts. Feedback like this helps me to become a better photographer. I also agree that little processing is better. However, ALL photos need processing because that is the nature of the art. Even Ansel Adams spent hours in the darkroom dodging and weaving to get the perfect image.
Today’s photo was so lousy and the weather wasn’t conducive for more shooting. This was an example that there was no way to really salvage an image from the set.
Don’t worry..I won’t go over to the dark side, I prefer things the way I see them. Thank you so much for your kind comment for my images.
very beutiful and moody shots, i love the first one!!
Thank you so much Evelyn ! I’m a little particular to the first one as well.
Lovely images! The fog adds so much drama; what a great collection! The top image is especially beautiful.
You are too kind Tricia, and thank you so much for your generous comment. If I hadn’t run out of time, I could have spent hours there exploring and photographing.
I find history very very interesting, it makes the future more understandable… 🙂
Interesting post and great photos too
– the first are wonderful, in my eyes, there’s something about fog that I really likes… 🙂
One thing I didn’t mention is that they had a fake Vietnamese village in the 1960’s so that the soldiers could practice invading a village before heading off to the Vietnam war. An area steeped in history that is now neglected.
Thanks Drake!
Wonderful, dreamy pictures! big Like!
Thanks Calee ! So happy you enjoyed these.
beautiful photos.. I like the first one of the fog, and the ones of the cannons best.. what an interesting place to visit. thanks for sharing.
Hi Vicki, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. It really is a unique place and I also loved the cannons. It was the first thing that caught my eye.
Just beautiful. I’ll come back fro the history another day – for now, I’m happy to enjoy the pier in the fog 🙂
LOL ! Don’t worry about the history..I didn’t say too much. Just think War of 1812.
I’ll stick with fog and jetties then … 🙂
Ok ! You do that then. 🙂
The fog just adds a mystery to the place – Great Captures! Happy Monday:)
Thanks Renee ! Happy Monday to you too.
I’m loving the fog pics Emily! Excellent photos and commentary!
Thrilled that you liked these Phil. You’d love to wander around there.
Shooting this site in the fog was a great choice – perfect ambiance. I think your post-production decisions are just fine; they do not strike me as being over-processed in any way.
Good luck with finding the bird – did I read somewhere else that it was a Common Redpoll you were after?
Thank you so much for your feedback Maya. I truly do appreciate it. Sometimes we need to break out of the norm to feel a little alive. It’s not something I’d make as a signature look though. However did you hear about the Redpoll? Are they worldfamous now? LOL
It was SOMEWHERE on your blog but for the life of me I can’t find it!
I used to have redpolls eat out of my hand when I lived in Alaska 🙂
Now that’s not fair..looking for them was like looking for a needle in a goldfinch haystack.
These are superb…dontca think fog adds an ethereal quality? Beautiful
I love fog..I could live in fog…well, at least for a week or so. How are things with you?
Fine thanks…our first snow today..and I have just been told my daughter is pregnant…so quite good, thanks!
That’s fantastic news ! Congratulations!
Thank you very much! 🙂
I’m praying that the fog will lift so that you’ll find that bird. I am patiently waiting.
I did find the bird, but the photo was lousy. Too far away, and poor lighting. I intend to return on Thursday with better light. I’m sure they’ll still be there.
I love visiting old forts and you showed why. There is so much color in the textures of ‘old’.
It is so true – I’m lucky to have lots of military history near me. You would have tremendous fun here. Have you ever been to St. Augustine?
I love the summary of history! The fog definitely is comparable to a scary novel or movie. Love it. All the photos are intriguing; especially the Artillery bunkers with landscape. Great photography !
Wow, you are amazing Judy. Such a wonderful comment, and thank you so much for your kind compliments. It’s funny how there is so much around us that are not discovered just because they are there. We travel far distances to explore other worlds while the best is just next door.
That first shot is absolutely beautiful, so serene and peaceful. Just lovely. And I love learning about history of all sorts, but your lesson today really made me want to get out there and explore that old fort.
Too bad I live in Arkansas! ; )
LOL ! You are funny Kate, and thank you so much for your kind comment. Are there forts in Arkansas ? I believe there was some Civil war activity there right?
Great shots!!! I like first picture!!!
Thanks Rexlin. It is my pleasure to share them with you.
So lovely and atmospheric… Really interesting history!!
I’m amazed about how much I’m picking up about the war of 1812. Who Knew?? I have so much more to explore with 2014 being the grand celebration here in Baltimore for the bicentennial of the battle at Fort McHenry.
Genius. We can say we knew you when…. :):)
HAHA ! You are funny…not ! I am trying to get out there though. 🙂
Some nicely framed shots – fog and mist add so much to a shot.
You are so kind Lynne, and it really makes me all warm and fuzzy inside to know that you enjoyed these photos.
Warm fuzzies – we all need warm fuzzies.
That first shot is an absolute keeper, I really love it.
Thank you so much Leanne ! Means so much coming from you. I will do so then! 🙂
Great photos. I always enjoy the sharing of history. Thank you for posting.
The photos are terrific. While at Ft Howard did you happen to notice if there was anything left of the Viet Cong village set up in the 60’s. I spent a day there training done by the Green Beret’s in 1966
Really? That is incredible Tim. The entire town is fenced off and they have just a small section along the waterfront that they allow the general public to use. Urban explorer photographers have been known to jump the fence to capture Fort Howard.
There are plans to build a brand new community for veterans there, but the economy has delayed the project.
Thank you very much for your reply. Not much left of my brief military experience in Baltimore – First Ft Holabird now Ft Howard. Keep up the good work.
Tim