One thing I love about Maryland is that the state is brimming with abandoned places. Over the years, we have introduced you to many of these dilapidated locations, including spooky mansions, creepy state parks, terrifying hospitals, and ghost towns, just to name a few. But did you know that an abandoned fort in Maryland can be found in the middle of the Patapsco River?
You may have spotted Fort Carroll from the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and many passersby wonder what this hexagonal structure is, including me. After some research, I discovered that it was originally a fort, built in 1848. Once the fort was no longer deemed necessary as a defense spot for Baltimore, it was left abandoned. Today, the only inhabitants of the Historic Fort Carroll near Baltimore are migratory birds and overgrown plant life.
Fort Carroll is a 3.4-acre man-made island designed by Brevet-Colonel Robert E. Lee and constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Its impressive architecture includes granite stairways, brick arches, 350 cannon ports, blacksmith and carpentry shops, and a house for a caretaker. And if you’re wondering where the fort’s name came from, here’s a fun fact: It was named after Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
There’s only one way to reach the area around Fort Carroll these days, and that’s by kayak or canoe. However, do not attempt to reach the island by any means; instead, enjoy the views from a safe distance, as this area is the main route for large ships. Going onto the island is also considered trespassing as it’s privately owned, on undeveloped land, and not open to the public. However, that didn’t thwart adventurous videographer Pat Gavin, as you will see when you watch the footage below…