experience american history in baltimore · marylanders, such as frederick douglass, thurgood...
TRANSCRIPT
Home to many historical figureheads, sites, and museums, Baltimore is not only filled with American culture and heritage, but is an integral part of world history. From the birth of the U.S. national anthem, and the immigration of thousands onto American soil, to the creation of America’s first commercial long distance railroad, the city of Baltimore is teeming with historical significance.
H Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine - The birthplace of the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott
Key, which later became America’s national anthem. During the War of 1812, Fort McHenry defended Baltimore’s harbor from British
invasion. Experience history with a tour of the fort and help raise or lower the American flag.
H Immigration – The Fell’s Point neighborhood was home to one of America’s largest immigration ports during the 19th and 20th
centuries. Fell’s Point is a spirited waterfront community in perpetual celebration of Baltimore’s British nautical roots where streets
are lined with quaint, historic homes and storefronts.
H B & O Railroad - The Baltimore & Ohio railroad was America’s first commercial long-distance railroad and the first track was laid in
Baltimore in 1827. The original B&O station roundhouse is now the B&O Railroad Museum, which is home to the largest and oldest
American railroad collection in the world.
H African American Heritage - Baltimore’s history is rich in African American heritage. Discover the stories of African American
Marylanders, such as Frederick Douglass, Thurgood Marshall and Billie Holiday, at the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture and the Frederick Douglass- Isaac Myers
Maritime Park Museum.
H Baltimore Baseball - Baseball is known as “America’s Favorite Pastime,” and Baltimore is home to many famous
baseball stars. Legend Babe Ruth was born in Baltimore and now has a museum dedicated to him located in
the rowhouse he grew up in – the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum. Baltimore is also home
to Oriole Park at Camden Yards where Cal Ripken, Jr. broke the record for most consecutive
baseball games played. In addition to being the home of a record-holder, Camden Yards was
named the best baseball ballpark in Major League Baseball in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Experience American History in
BALTIMORE
www.baltimore.org
H America’s First Cathedral - Baltimore constructed America’s
first Roman Catholic cathedral in 1806 and it was declared
a National Landmark in 1993. The Basilica of the National Shrine
of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary represented
freedom in a new world. Visitors are welcome to tour the Basilica
or spend time worshipping in the beautiful landmark.
H Famous Writers and Musicians - In the 19th century, Edgar
Allan Poe created a name for himself by becoming the first
person to make a professional living as a writer and poet.
Poe’s family ties are in Baltimore, where he met his wife and
published his second volume of poetry in 1829. Visit the Edgar
Allan Poe House and Museum, where he once lived, to learn
more about his life in Baltimore. You can also see his gravesite
at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground. Many other world-
renowned poets, writers and musicians were also influenced
by the magic of Baltimore including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Billie
Holiday, Eubie Blake, and Cab Calloway.
H Washington Monument - Mount Vernon Place is home to the
first monument dedicated to George Washington, the Founding
Father of the United States. The statue has stood tall for over
200 years in the beautiful urban park located just north of
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Visitors can climb the 227 steps to
the top of the monument to enjoy the views. Interactive
technology at the base of the monument allows guests to
learn about its history.
H Lexington Market – Lexington Market has been open for business
since 1782, making it the oldest public market in America. This
historic site is almost as old as the country itself, serving nine
generations of farmers and merchants. Today it holds
more than 100 vendors including Baltimore’s famous
Berger Cookies and Faidley’s Seafood, known
for being the region’s oldest provider of
crab cakes.
www.baltimore.org