History of Baltimore

The city of Baltimore, named after Lord Baltimore, the first Governor of the province of Maryland, dates from 1729. In the mid to late-18th century, the city grew rapidly as it became the storehouse for the sugar-producing colonies of the Caribbean. Today, it is one of the busiest ports in the US.

Early 19th century history

During the War of 1812, Baltimore's Fort McHenry was attacked by British forces after they burned Washington DC. American troops were able to defend their position at the Battle of Baltimore, fending off a joint land and naval attack by the British. It was during the naval attack that Francis Scott Key wrote his poem: The Star-Spangled Banner, which later became the US national anthem. The Battle of Baltimore was commemorated in a monument, and now appears on the city’s seal.

Baltimore is home to the first monument ever honouring George Washington; a Doric column erected in 1829, reaching 178 feet. Its designer was Robert Mills, who later provided the design for the Washington Monument in Washington DC.

The Civil War period

Before the Civil War, Maryland was a slave-holding state, and it remained so during the war. The Mason-Dixon Line, an invisible division between the northern and southern US states, ran through Baltimore. Although the state was officially part of the Union, most people in Baltimore were sympathetic to the Confederacy.

This sentiment led to the Baltimore Riot in 1861 and to Union soldiers entering the city. After quelling the riot, the Union troops remained, occupying Baltimore and placing the state under federal administration. This very unpopular action was taken to prevent Maryland seceding from the Union, and lasted until the end of the Civil War, in 1865.

The 20th century

More than 1,500 buildings in the city were destroyed in the Great Baltimore Fire on 7 February, 1904. The city was forced to rebuild, and in just two years, the work was complete, with the city experiencing a remarkable rebirth – one that was eventually to succumb to the Great Depression, and later, to the urban blight experienced by many US cities.

By the 1970s, a partnership between government and business led to another renewal, vitalising the city centre area, turning waterfront warehouses into attractions aimed at tourists and locals as well. The Maryland Science Centre Harbourplace and the National Aquarium were added shortly afterwards, leading to a surge in visits to the city and a much-needed economic boost.