Fort Carroll - Image 1
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Fort Carroll

4.5
·32 reviews·Edgemere, United States

An abandoned, hexagonal man-made island fortress in the Patapsco River, once intended for defense, now a bird sanctuary.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Calm weather days

Easier boat access & views

CrowdLow
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Fort Carroll - Image 1

Fort Carroll

Best Time

Calm weather days

Easier boat access & views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An abandoned, hexagonal man-made island fortress in the Patapsco River, once intended for defense, now a bird sanctuary.

4.5
(32 reviews)

"A shame to see this very interesting historic landmark slowly moldering away."

Vertical photo
TIP

Boat Access Recommended

Access is primarily by boat. Consider kayaking or a small vessel for closer exploration.

Respect Private Property

While often unpoliced, it's privately owned. Be mindful of signs and potential legal issues.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hexagonal Fortress Structure

Hexagonal Fortress Structure

The entire island

Explore the unique hexagonal design of this abandoned military fortress, a testament to 19th-century engineering.

Instagram
Colonial Waterbird Haven

Colonial Waterbird Haven

Throughout the island

Witness a thriving ecosystem where nesting colonial waterbirds have made the overgrown fort their home.

Instagram
Panoramic Bay Views

Panoramic Bay Views

Outer edges of the fort

Enjoy sweeping views of the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor from this distinctive vantage point.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Access & Trespassing

Fort Carroll is privately owned and technically off-limits. While "trespassers" aren't typically harassed, it's crucial to understand the risks. Many visitors access it via boat, but be aware of private property signs and potential legal implications. TikTok+1

Island's Unique History

This man-made island was intended as a Civil War-era defense. Despite its strategic location, construction halted, and it was never fully utilized. Over the years, numerous development ideas, from a casino to a prison, have failed. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Calm weather days
Why
Easier boat access & views
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime
Why
Better visibility for exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La isla prohibida de Baltimore: los secretos de Fort Carroll 🏝️👻 #FortCarroll #MisteriosDeBaltimore #IslasProhibidas #HistoriaOlvidada #LugaresEncantados
@xupogeoview
2.7K likes • 184.7K views

Boat Access Recommended

Access is primarily by boat. Consider kayaking or a small vessel for closer exploration. Reddit

Respect Private Property

While often unpoliced, it's privately owned. Be mindful of signs and potential legal issues. Reddit

The story of an island no one is allowed to visit near Baltimore 🇺🇸 #fort #carroll #abandoned #island #baltimore #civilwar #usa #fyp
@locationnation
2K likes • 163.7K views
Just beyond the Key Bridge is a small, man-made island named Fort Carroll. It was designed and built in 1848 and remained Baltimore’s first line of defense up until the 1920’s. Over the years, people have tried to make it a prison, a casino…and even wanted to put a big neon sign on it that said, “Welcome to Baltimore”. All those ideas failed. Today, it’s a really cool bird sanctuary that you can o...
saillocal
81 likes • 1.7K views

Birdwatcher's Paradise

Be prepared for abundant birdlife and their remains; wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

Red Light Headlamp

If exploring at dusk or dawn, a red-light headlamp preserves night vision. Reddit

Project Name: Fort Carroll  Location: Patapsco River, Baltimore MD Project Type: Military Fort/Manmade Island Area: 3.4 Acres Project Began: 1847 Construction Paused: 1861 Deemed “Excess Property” by Army: 1923
development_fails
1.7K likes • 104.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Boat Access Recommended

Access is primarily by boat. Consider kayaking or a small vessel for closer exploration. Reddit

Respect Private Property

While often unpoliced, it's privately owned. Be mindful of signs and potential legal issues. Reddit

Birdwatcher's Paradise

Be prepared for abundant birdlife and their remains; wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

Red Light Headlamp

If exploring at dusk or dawn, a red-light headlamp preserves night vision. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(32 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Fort Carroll a fascinating and unique historical landmark, appreciating its intriguing hexagonal design and the natural beauty of the bird sanctuary it has become. Many lament its decaying state and wish for preservation efforts, while acknowledging the challenges of private ownership and access. The island's history of failed development proposals adds to its mystique. Reddit

"Its a shame to see this very interesting historic landmark slowly moldering away."

Derrick

"Yo Maryland! This should be a State or National Park. C'mon, get your act together and make it happen."

John Filer

"Fort Carroll is definitely something you don't see everyday, everywhere. The wind was blowing hard and luckily I had the wind coming back. I will be back when there's less wind, so I can orbit around the fort and get different viewpoints."

Sang Lee

What People Like

Unique hexagonal architecture
Abundant birdlife
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Decaying condition
Limited access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fort Carroll is an island located in the Patapsco River. The most common way to access it is by boat. Kayaks, small motorboats, or even larger vessels can be used, depending on weather conditions. There is no public ferry service, and landing on the island is technically trespassing as it is privately owned. TikTokReddit+1

No, Fort Carroll is a man-made island and is not accessible by land. It is situated in the middle of the Patapsco River, south of Baltimore. Instagram

You cannot drive to Fort Carroll. It is an island and requires water transportation for access. TikTok

Fort Carroll is located near the Francis Scott Key Bridge section of Interstate 695 (Baltimore's Beltway). Instagram

Approaching by boat is generally safe, but always be aware of weather conditions, currents, and other marine traffic. The island itself has decaying structures, so caution is advised if landing. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No tickets are required for Fort Carroll as it is not an officially managed attraction. However, it is privately owned, and access is technically trespassing. Reddit

Fort Carroll does not have official opening hours as it is an abandoned site. Visitors typically go during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Instagram

Fort Carroll is privately owned and not officially open to the public. While 'trespassers' are not typically prosecuted, it's important to be aware of the legal implications. Reddit

There is no admission fee for Fort Carroll. The cost would be associated with boat rental or fuel if you are using your own vessel. Reddit

Exploration inside Fort Carroll is possible but comes with risks due to its abandoned and decaying state. Be cautious of unstable structures and uneven terrain. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The hexagonal architecture of the fort, the surrounding water views, and the nesting birds offer unique photographic opportunities. Capturing the contrast between the man-made structure and nature is particularly striking. Instagram

Drone regulations can be complex, especially near waterways and potentially restricted airspace. It's advisable to check current FAA guidelines and local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting for photography, but daytime provides the best visibility for exploring the fort's details and surrounding landscape. Instagram

From the water, you can capture the full hexagonal shape. Once on the island, explore different levels and interior spaces for unique perspectives. Reddit

Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the fort's scale, a telephoto lens for bird photography, and a sturdy tripod if you plan for low-light shots. Ensure your gear is protected from the elements. Instagram

🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife

Fort Carroll is a haven for nesting colonial waterbirds, such as gulls and terns. You might also see other coastal birds and marine life in the surrounding waters. Instagram

While it's a haven for wildlife, Fort Carroll is not officially designated as a protected nature area. Its status as a private property and abandoned fort means its natural state is largely due to neglect. Instagram

The nesting season, typically spring and summer, is the best time to observe the colonial waterbirds. Instagram

The primary wildlife concern would be the birds and their droppings. Be cautious of sharp objects and unstable ground due to the fort's abandoned nature. Reddit

Fishing is generally permitted in the waters around Fort Carroll, provided you adhere to Maryland's fishing regulations. Always check local advisories. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fort Carroll offers a unique adventure for families, but requires careful planning. Access is best via a boat trip, which can be an exciting part of the experience for children. Once on the island, supervise children closely due to the decaying structures and uneven terrain. The abundance of birds can also be a fascinating educational opportunity. InstagramReddit

Consider a short visit during daylight hours with calm weather. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities. Emphasize the historical aspect of the fort and its role in defense to make it an engaging learning experience. Ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for exploring. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers

Fort Carroll is a dream location for photographers and urban explorers, offering a blend of historical architecture and natural reclamation. The hexagonal design provides striking visual lines, and the abandoned state of the fort creates a moody, atmospheric subject. Capture the interplay of light and shadow on the weathered concrete and the encroaching vegetation. Instagram

For urban explorers, the thrill lies in uncovering the fort's past and documenting its current state. Be prepared for challenging conditions, including debris and potential hazards. Always prioritize safety, inform someone of your plans, and consider visiting with a partner. The island's status as private property means you're exploring at your own risk. Reddit

🚢 Boaters & Water Enthusiasts

For those who enjoy exploring by water, Fort Carroll offers a unique destination. It's a distinctive landmark visible from the Patapsco River and a point of interest for boaters. You can circumnavigate the island to appreciate its scale and design from different angles. Reddit

If you plan to land, choose a day with calm waters and be mindful of potential hazards around the island's perimeter. While landing is technically trespassing, many boaters do so for a brief exploration. Ensure your vessel is seaworthy and you have appropriate safety gear. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unfulfilled Potential of Fort Carroll

Fort Carroll, a 3.4-acre man-made island in the Patapsco River, stands as a monument to unrealized ambition. Construction began in 1847 as part of a coastal defense system for Baltimore Harbor, intended to work in tandem with Fort McHenry. However, the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 halted all construction, leaving the hexagonal fortress incomplete. Instagram+1

Over the decades, numerous proposals have been floated for its use, none of which materialized. These included plans for a prison, a casino, and even a prominent 'Welcome to Baltimore' sign. The island was purchased privately in 1958 with the intent of developing a casino, but this idea was scrapped when it was discovered the land was part of Baltimore County, not Anne Arundel. Reddit

Today, Fort Carroll remains part of a private estate, largely abandoned and slowly succumbing to the elements. Its unique hexagonal design and intriguing history make it a fascinating subject for urban explorers and history enthusiasts, despite its inaccessible nature. TikTok+1

Navigating Fort Carroll: Access and Safety

Accessing Fort Carroll presents a unique challenge due to its private ownership and island location. The most common method of visitation is by boat, with kayakers and small vessel owners often exploring the perimeter. It's crucial to remember that landing on the island is technically trespassing, and while authorities rarely intervene, visitors should be aware of the legal implications. TikTokReddit+1

When approaching or exploring the island, safety is paramount. The fort's structures are old and decaying, posing risks of unstable ground and falling debris. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and be cautious of their surroundings. The island is also a habitat for nesting birds, so respecting wildlife and their nesting areas is important. InstagramReddit

For those venturing out, especially during dawn or dusk, a headlamp with a red-light setting is recommended. This helps preserve night vision while providing necessary illumination. Cell service is generally sufficient on the island, which can be a comfort for solo explorers or those needing to communicate. Reddit

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