The historic port city of Baltimore, MD, dates back to 1729, when it started life as a grain and tobacco shipping port. It soon exploded into life, becoming a major East Coast city, and remains a vital seaport to this day. Steeped in history, art, and culture, it’s a fascinating place to call home.
Here are 5 things that make Baltimore stand out from the crowd.
1. Baltimore Is a City of Firsts
Baltimore has long been a city of innovation and is home to many U.S. firsts. For example, the first Catholic cathedral in America, the Basilica of the Assumption, is located in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. Construction began in 1806, with the cathedral seeing completion in 1863, and services are held to this day.
Likewise, the Peale Museum was the first purpose-built U.S. museum, showcasing local art and artifacts, and it is still open to visitors. Other firsts claimed by Baltimore include:
- America’s first Research University,
- America’s first railroad,
- America’s first commercial streetcar line,
- America’s first public gas streetlamp,
- America’s first umbrella factory.
And that’s just a small sample of firsts that Baltimore is famous for.
2. Baltimore Is Home to the Original Washington Monument
Another U.S. first is Baltimore’s Washington Monument, which predates the more famous Washington, D.C. version by 33 years. It still stands tall and proud after almost 200 years at the center of Mount Vernon. It’s still open to visitors, provided they’re willing to climb the 227 marble steps up to the top, where they’ll be rewarded with superb views over the city.
3. Baltimore Is the Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner
Fort McHenry is among the most well-known buildings in Baltimore, famous for its star-shaped design and a symbol of resilience. In 1813, local seamstress Mary Pickersgill was commissioned to sew a flag for the fortress. The flag was raised over the fort and withstood a 25-hour bombardment during the Battle of Baltimore.
The United States forces were eventually victorious in the battle, and upon seeing the flag flying proudly in the aftermath, poet Francis Scott Key promptly penned “The Star-Spangled Banner”, which would soon become the American national anthem.
4. Baltimore Is a City of Art
Beyond its rich history, Baltimore is also famous for its vibrant art scene. The city is a hub of creativity, with art inspired by various cultural backgrounds resulting in a plethora of different styles. From glassblowing to pottery to printmakers, local artisans showcase and sell their wares in markets across the city.
More formal art galleries also thrive in Baltimore. The Baltimore Museum of Art dates back to 1914 and has grown to become a cornerstone of the Baltimore art scene, home to more than 97,000 pieces of art. With art from around the world, including Native American works, it’s a must for any art lover. Similarly, the Walters Art Museum is free to visit and is packed full of artwork from across the globe.
Outside of galleries, Artscape is the largest free art festival in the USA, and is held annually in Downtown Baltimore. The weekend-long festival offers a melting-pot of art, culture, and community, and aims to transform the city into a living canvas.
5. Baltimore Is Heaven for Foodies
Baltimore’s food scene is also not to be missed. A blend of traditional charm and modern innovation, there’s plenty on the menu to suit every taste. As a seaport, Baltimore has access to some of the finest seafood on the East Coast. Crabs are a local delicacy, and the giant crab cakes found in Lexington Market are a real treat.
With a diverse population and a rich mix of cultures, traditional foods from around the world find themselves on menus across Baltimore, often with a local twist. Polish dumplings are a must when visiting Broadway Market, while Caribbean flavors are to be savoured in the vibrant marketplaces of Mount Vernon.
Locals take their food seriously in Baltimore, with modern food halls transforming many abandoned industrial spaces and offering a rich array of tastes and flavors to indulge in. The Baltimore Street Food Festival is a celebration of local delicacies, with nothing on the menu costing more than $5.
Baltimore is a city that is steeped in history, evidenced by the historic architecture and countless monuments. But while its rich history is to be celebrated, modern-day Baltimore is also brimming with culture, creating an exciting and vibrant place to call home.
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