Baltimore History Guide

Description:

The sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry during the War Of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the national anthem, the 'Star Spangled Banner'. A replica of that flag waves over the harbor-side port, now a tranquil National Park. The restored barracks hold exhibits of military and historical artifacts and a well-kept trail runs along the water's edge, affording spectacular views of ships entering and leaving the busy harbor. National Park passes are welcome.

Our Local Expert Says:

1 of 3 historical naval vessels in the Harbor - this one will keep you occupied.

Description:

You can't miss the Constellation, docked for years at the Inner Harbor (predating Harborplace). A triple-masted sloop-of-war launched in 1854, the Constellation is the last Civil War-era vessel afloat. Tour her gun decks, visit the wardrooms, see a cannon fired, and learn about the life of a sailor. Demonstrations begin with the raising of the colors at 10:30am and continue on the hour. The Fourth of July picnic and a New Year's Eve reception both end with fireworks (tickets are required). Downtown visitors should note that the ship's cannon is fired daily at noon. "Powder Monkey" tours are directed at children 6 and over.

Description:

This 178-foot-tall column, the country's first major architectural memorial to George Washington, was designed in 1815 by Robert Mills, who also designed the Washington Monument (begun in 1848) in Washington, D.C. To learn the whole story, see the exhibit inside the building. The physically fit can also climb the 228 steps to the top of the tower and see why this spot has what's often called the best view in Baltimore. The monument takes center stage on the city's seal.

Our Local Expert Says:

Different type of history lesson for children - brings early American locomotive history to life.

Description:

American railroading got its start here when the B&O was chartered in 1827, and the first locomotive, the Tom Thumb, was built here. The remarkable roundhouse was restored after the roof collapsed in a 2003 snowstorm and is now more accessible for visitors with disabilities and parents with strollers. As damaged pieces are repaired, they are returned to the roundhouse (most should be back by the end of 2008), but it's still filled with an awe-inspiring collection of engines and rolling stock. A car barn has the largest locomotive ever built. Platforms enable visitors to tour trains outside, including a World War II troop sleeper, a caboose, and a refrigerated car where a train movie runs continuously. Admission includes a short ride, with trains departing daily from April through December and weekends only in January.

Description:

The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Museum is situated on the site of the first African-American shipyard in America. Its a national heritage site which chronicles the struggles of Frederick Douglass and Isaac Myers, perhaps Baltimore's most prominent African-American activists. The museum also depicts the rise of the Afro-American community in Baltimore in the 19th century and the rich maritime and ship-building history of Chesapeake Bay. One of the latest cultural landmarks in Baltimore, the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Museum is also well-suited for private and group events.

Description:

This historic seaport rings the Baltimore harbor and includes attractions and sailing vessels that chronicle the city's 300-year maritime past. You can explore this history by walking the streets of waterfront communities or the decks of famous ships. The seaport consists of 16 sites, including the USS Constellation, the only surviving Civil War-era vessel afloat the Seven-Foot Knoll Lighthouse, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Taney, Fort McHenry, historic Fells Point, Federal Hill and the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

Description:

The Maryland Historical Society (MdHS), founded in 1844, is the state's oldest cultural institution. Located at 201 West Monument Street in the Mount Vernon Cultural District, the MdHS collects, preserves, and interprets more than seven million artifacts and documents reflecting Maryland's diverse heritage through a museum, library, press, and extensive educational programs. The collection includes the original manuscript of Francis Scott Key's "The Star-Spangled Banner" as well as one of the most extensive collections of Americana in the world. This museum has several permanent exhibits including Looking for Liberty, Furniture in MD Life, Maryland Through the Artist's Eye, and Served in Style: Silver Collection of the Maryland Historical Society. Temporary exhibitions are open throughout the year in the galleries of the museum and the library. Satellite sites include the Baltimore Civil War Museum and the Fells Point Maritime Museum.

Description:

Edgar Allan Poe composed some of his first works in this tiny West Baltimore row house, which contains five rooms (including the garret where Poe slept and wrote). He lived here from 1833 to 1835 with his grandmother, aunt, and cousin, Virginia, whom he later married. You can see portraits, memorabilia, period furniture, changing exhibits, and a video. The house is located on a small one-way street heading south; there is no number, but you will see a black antique street lamp out front and two markers on the house. Don't try to walk here from downtown -- take a car or cab -- and call ahead to verify hours.