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.

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