Best Places To Learn About Baltimore History
Famous residents have included the world renowned writers Edgar Allan Poe, Edith Hamilton, and H.L. Mencken, iconic singer Billie Holiday, famed jazz musician James "Eubie" Blake, famed baseball player Babe Ruth, actress/director Jada Pinkett-Smith, actor and filmmaker John Waters, prolific businessman Reginald F. Lewis, and the incomparable social reformer, abolitionist, orator, and writer, Frederick Douglass.
Baltimore was even the city where our national anthem was written by Francis Scott Key During the War of 1812. Still need more Baltimore history? Listed below are five reasons why Charm City is good for more than just amazing seafood, and attending Orioles or Ravens games
2400 E Fort Ave
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 962-4290
www.nps.gov
First built in 1798, the star-shaped Fort McHenry was used continuously by U.S. armed forces through World War I and by the Coast Guard in World War II. In 1925, it was designated a national park. Fort McHenry became internationally known for its role in the War of 1812, when it successfully defended Baltimore Harborfrom in an attack by the British navy in Chesapeake Bay on Sept. 13–14, 1813.
This history of this Baltimore landmark doesn't stop there. During the War of 1812 , a storm flag was flown over Fort McHenry during the bombardment. It was replaced early on the morning of Sept. 14, 1814 with a larger garrison flag. The larger flag signaled American victory over the British in the Battle of Baltimore. The sight of this inspired a young poet Francis Scott Key to write a poem titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry" which was later set to music becoming known as the Star Spangled Banner.
1415 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 727-4808
Located near Baltimore's historic Inner Harbor, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, tells the story of Maryland innovation from the industrial revolution through the space age. Stop by today to explore the 1860s-era cannery, a garment loft and a print shop showcasing vintage typewriters, a large work table where children can practice the art of printing, and the century-old pharmacy where the iconic facial cream Noxzema was invented. Noxzema's early slogan was once "the miracle cream of Baltimore," and during 1920, the first Noxzema Chemical Company factory was opened in a tiny house in Baltimore. Noxzema eventually achieved national popularity by the 1940s through the use of radio and print advertising.
901 West Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 752-2490
www.borail.org
As America's first commercial long-distance railroad, the B&O was also a railroad of "firsts." Pioneers in the technology of American railroading, they initiated many innovative ideas throughout their history. These ideas included everything from operating the first American built steam locomotive, to debuting the first air conditioned train. Unbeknownst to many, the B&O Railroad always maintained a keen awareness of its history.
203 North Amity St.
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 462-1763
www.poeinbaltimore.org
With his short stories and poems, the Boston born writer, critic and editor Edgar Allan Poe captured the interest of countless readers around the world with his tales and poems of horror and mystery, including "The Raven" and "The Fall of the House of Usher," among others. His creative talents led to the beginning of different literary genres, earning him the nickname "Father of the Detective Story" among other distinctions.
Exhibits featured at the Edgar Allan Poe House, where Poe himself once lived, tell the story of his life and death in Baltimore. These exhibits feature significant artifacts such as Poe's portable writing desk and chair, a telescope, china and glassware used by him when living in Richmond, Virginia. Poe's home is still in excellent shape. Much of the exterior and interior have the original fabric from the 1833-1835 period when Edgar lived there with his aunt, grandmother and two cousins. While the house is not furnished, visitors can walk on the same floors, stairs and wander within the original walls and that Edgar lived with. A National Historic Landmark, the Edgar Allan Poe House, is open to visitors on a seasonal schedule.
Related: Best Places To Learn About The People Who Built Baltimore
800 E. Lombard St.
Baltimore,MD 21202
(410) 605-2964
www.carrollmuseums.org
Built around 1811 and located at the corner of what is now known as Lombard and Front Streets, the Carroll Mansion is still one of the main focal points of what was once a very wealthy part of Baltimore. Named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Carroll Mansion is one of Baltimore's best examples of Federal Period architecture. For the last twelve years of his life, Charles Carroll spent his winters in the house, often receiving many distinguished visitors there.It was in this house that he passed away.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, the mansion was deeded to the City of Baltimore in 1914, and in 1918 it became Baltimore's first vocational school. The mansion's largest rooms were used as classrooms and the grounds contained the various trade shops. The vocational school continued operating, offering courses in auto mechanics, tailoring, and printing until 1928. That same year, the Carroll Mansion was restored and opened to the public with exhibits of antiques. These days, the Carroll Mansion is open to the public for guided tours, Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Tours start on the hour and the last tour starts at 3 p.m.
301 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
(410)539-1797
www.historicships.org
In Baltimore, history lessons can be learned on the water also! Located at Baltimore's Pier 1 at the Inner Harbor, Historic Ships represents one of the most impressive collections of military vessels in the world. Within easy walking distance of each other, the U.S. Sloop-of-War Constellation, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Taney, the U.S. Submarine Torsk, and the Lightship Chesapeake presents life at sea from the mid-19th century to the mid-1980s. Also included in this iconic collection is the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse which was the entrance to both the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor for over 130 years. There is always something happening at the Historic Ships so be sure to check the website for the latest programs and events!
