Baltimore, Maryland, History

The city of Baltimore has a reputation that is based almost solely on the water. This is for good reason. It is located on the Patapsco River, at the top of the northwestern fork of the Chesapeake Bay. With this location, Baltimore has direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. Although it is not the capital of Maryland, Baltimore is the largest city in the state, with a population of around 651,000. Baltimore was founded in 1729 and named after the second Lord Baltimore, George Calvert. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as the “Charm City.” This nickname is said to have derived from its citizens' concern for and appreciation for the quality of urban life in Baltimore.

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Baltimore History continued...

In the early days of European settlement in colonial America, Baltimore was the westernmost ocean-going harbor. This geographical factor made Baltimore invaluable. It linked the Atlantic Ocean to the fast-growing agricultural lands in the interior of colonial American via the railway system. Cereal mills prospered along the rivers that flow into the bay. This ensured that industry and shipping would eventually develop. Baltimore was lucky enough to get through the American Revolutionary War unscathed. The war brought more prosperity to Baltimore. It also brought the writing of the country's national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” The song was written referring to the flag that flew over the city's Fort McHenry.

Baltimore is the home to many fine educational institutions. Among them are the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins himself was from the city of Baltimore. He rose from a humble greengrocer in 1819, to a wealthy and philanthropic merchant in 1847. His name is attached to many public buildings in Baltimore. His work ethic is said to be the embodiment of Baltimore's work ethic and the American dream. Other famous Americans from Baltimore include the legendary baseball player George Herman “Babe” Ruth. Literary critic H.L. Mencken was also from Baltimore. Singer Billie Holiday and writer Edgar Allan Poe have also left their marks on the city. “Bessie” Wallis Warfield, known to the British as the “double divorcee, Mrs. Simpson,” who later married King Edward VIII, causing his abdication, lived for many years in Baltimore's Mount Vernon section.

Modern-day Baltimore is a bustling, busy city full of pastimes, sports and cultural activities. Downtown is centered on thriving Lexington Market, which was established in 1782. This area is still home to over 140 merchants. Inner-city areas such as Fells Point and Federal Hill are bustling communities. Mount Vernon and Little Italy are also great places to visit that retain the atmosphere of a large village. Baltimore is also home to the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL and the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball.

Baltimore is a city that is rooted deep in its colonial history but has moved ahead to become a prospering metropolis. It is almost considered a crime to leave the city without trying its specialty, the abundant Maryland crabs.