Fort Howard was built here in 1896 to defend Baltimore from possible naval attack. It was named for Col. John Eager Howard, a Revolutionary hero. Five coastal artillery batteries bore the names of Col. Davis Harris, Francis Scott Key, Judge Joseph H. Nicholson, and Brig. Gen. John Stricker. A sixth battery honored Dr. Jesse W. Lazear of Baltimore, who gave his life in 1900 to further Yellow Fever research. The fort remained under Army command until 1940, but its guns were never fired in anger.