Baltimore, often called “Charm City,” boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation. From the hallowed grounds where the U.S. national anthem was born to groundbreaking advancements in medicine and transportation, there are many reasons why people know Baltimore. Let’s delve into the defining aspects that make Baltimore a truly remarkable city.
Exploring Baltimore’s Hallmarks
- Baltimore is home to Fort McHenry, the birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- The National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a leading center for marine education and conservation. It’s also Maryland’s largest paid tourist attraction and the first public aquarium in America.
- Baltimore’s B&O Railroad Museum represents the birthplace of American railroading.
- Johns Hopkins University was the first American research university.
- Al Capone donated two Japanese weeping cherry trees to Union Memorial Hospital, only one of which is still there. Several cuttings of the tree have been planted around the hospital’s campus and nicknamed “Caponettes.”
- Baltimore’s Washington Monument was built by the same architect as the one in D.C., Robert Mills, and it was completed 19 years before that one even started construction.
- The Baltimore Museum of Art has more than 1,200 pieces by French artist Henri Matisse, the largest collection of his work in the world.
- Baltimore’s National Brewing Company may or may not have invented the six-pack of beer. Either way, even though National Bohemian, or “Natty Boh,” is produced in Ohio and Georgia now, 90% of its sales still come from Baltimore.
- Baltimore lays claim to the first umbrella factory in America, the Beehler Umbrella Factory. It had the humorous motto of “Born in Baltimore, Raised Everywhere.”
- The USS Constellation in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is the last surviving Civil War-era ship and served for 100 years before being decommissioned.
- The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was the first cathedral in the U.S. and now receives thousands of visitors each year.
- The Baltimore World Trade Center is the world’s tallest equilateral pentagonal building. It was briefly the world’s tallest five-sided building, period, but the JPMorgan Chase Tower in Houston claimed the crown in 1981.
- Baltimore is an independent city—it’s not part of any county. It’s the biggest out of America’s 41 independent cities.
Notable Figures Born in Baltimore
Beyond landmarks, Baltimore has nurtured many influential figures:
- Babe Ruth
- Michael Phelps
- David Hasselhoff
- Nancy Pelosi
- Thurgood Marshall
- Tom Clancy
- Frank Zappa
- John Wilkes Booth
- Billie Holiday
- Upton Sinclair
- Mike Rowe
- Jada Pinkett-Smith
- Julie Bowen
And, while Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, he considered Baltimore his home. The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum and his gravesite are located in Baltimore.
The Star-Spangled Banner’s Birthplace: Fort McHenry
USS Constellation in Baltimore: A historic landmark representing Baltimore’s maritime history.
Fort McHenry stands as a powerful symbol of Baltimore’s historical significance. During the War of 1812, the fort bravely withstood a British bombardment. Witnessing the American flag still waving after the battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner,” now the U.S. national anthem. Today, Fort McHenry is a National Monument and Historic Shrine, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history.
Marine Conservation and Education: The National Aquarium
The National Aquarium, a cornerstone of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, is a leading center for marine education and conservation. It played a vital role in the Inner Harbor’s revitalization in the 1980s, transforming the area into a vibrant waterfront. Home to over 750 species, the aquarium features meticulously designed exhibits that replicate natural habitats. From playful dolphins to fascinating poison dart frogs, it’s a must-see for visitors. The National Aquarium demonstrates Baltimore’s dedication to environmental stewardship and its role in promoting sustainability.
Johns Hopkins University: Pioneering Research
Aerial view of Fort McHenry: The historic site where the Star-Spangled Banner was written.
Johns Hopkins University, established in 1876, revolutionized American higher education by integrating research with teaching. This innovative approach, modeled after European research institutions, set a new standard for universities in the United States. With campuses specializing in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and public health, Johns Hopkins has consistently led U.S. universities in research and development expenditures. Its contributions to numerous fields solidify its status as a pivotal institution both in Baltimore and worldwide.
A Railroad Hub: The B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore’s B&O Railroad Museum showcases the city’s significant role in American railroading history. Located at Mount Clare, a National Historic Landmark, the museum houses the largest collection of 19th-century locomotives in the United States. It marks the birthplace of American railroading, with the first passenger and freight station in the country. The Roundhouse, built in 1884, serves as the centerpiece, offering visitors a glimpse into the golden age of railroads and their transformative impact on American society.
Art and Culture Scene
Johns Hopkins University campus: A symbol of Baltimore’s commitment to education and research.
Baltimore’s dedication to art and culture is evident in its numerous museums and cultural venues. The Baltimore Museum of Art, founded in 1914, boasts over 97,000 works, including the largest public collection of Henri Matisse’s works. Additionally, the Walters Art Museum, located in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, houses a vast collection spanning from ancient Egypt to 19th-century European art.
African American History
Baltimore has many places to learn about African American history. Visit the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum, which honors the legacy of Frederick Douglass and Isaac Myers, two influential figures in maritime history. Also make time for The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, which showcases the rich history and culture of African Americans in Maryland.
A Thriving Port City
Inside Walters Art Museum: A testament to Baltimore’s vibrant art and culture scene.
Founded in 1729, Baltimore evolved into a bustling seaport and shipbuilding center, strategically crucial for trade and commerce by the American Revolution. The success of Baltimore clipper ships extended the city’s trade reach to the Caribbean. Today, Baltimore remains a vital seaport and a major automobile-shipping point.
Baseball Legend: Babe Ruth
Baltimore is the birthplace of Babe Ruth, one of baseball’s most iconic figures. Born George Herman Ruth in 1895, his early life in Baltimore shaped his character and skills. Ruth’s legendary “Called Shot” home run during the 1932 World Series remains one of baseball’s most iconic moments. To learn more, visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.
Advancements in Communication
Baltimore shipyard: Emphasizing Baltimore’s role as a major port city.
Baltimore has also led in communication advancements. The city established its first post office system in 1774 and hosted the first telegraph line connecting Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. On May 24, 1844, Samuel F. B. Morse sent the first telegraphic message from Washington to Baltimore.
The Great Baltimore Fire
Samuel Morse’s telegraph: Highlighting Baltimore’s role in communication advancements.
The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 reshaped the city’s landscape and architectural standards. The fire destroyed over 1,500 buildings and severely damaged thousands more. In response, Baltimore established a new building code emphasizing fireproof materials and stricter safety standards. The fire remains a defining moment, symbolizing both tragedy and resilience.
Other Historical Highlights
- The first successful manned balloon launch in the United States.
- The first professional sports organization, the Maryland Jockey Club.
- The United States’ first Catholic cathedral, The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Baltimore: A City of Enduring Legacy
Baltimore is a city of firsts, marked by resilience, innovation, and a deep sense of pride. From Fort McHenry to Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore’s history is filled with significant contributions that have shaped the nation. This vibrant city continues to evolve, preserving its rich heritage while embracing the future.
