"~ Baltimore ~" Top 5 Page for this destination Baltimore by Yaqui

Baltimore Travel Guide: 1,184 reviews and 3,354 photos

~A city filled with history and life!~

Before European settlement, the site of Baltimore was inhabited by a Native American people known as the Susquehannock. The area was explored by English soldier John Smith in 1608 and was settled in 1661. In 1729 the town was founded and named for the barons Baltimore, the British founders of the Maryland Colony. Established as a tobacco port, the town rapidly developed into a flour-milling and shipbuilding center, with a flourishing trade with Europe and the Caribbean.

In 1777, while Philadelphia was occupied by the British during the American Revolution, the Continental Congress met in Baltimore. It was incorporated as a city in 1797. During the War of 1812 the British made an attempt to eliminate privateers operating out of Baltimore. The ensuing battle in 1814, centered around Fort McHenry, inspired American lawyer and poet Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

A second phase of growth began in 1828, when America’s first railroad, the Baltimore and Ohio, was built to compete for the western trade created by New York’s Erie Canal. At the start of the American Civil War (1861-1865), though Maryland did not secede from the Union, the city’s Southern sympathies provoked riots and led to its occupation by Union troops.(encarta®)

Vistors Area Guide

Visit Beautiful Baltimore

Seven Foot Knoll Light

Originally at the entrance to Baltimore harbor, but moved and restored. It is one of the few screw-pile lighthouses left. Located on Pier 5 at the Baltimore Inner Harbor.

This is part of the Baltimore Maritime Museum. You purchase a ticket and it will give you access to other historical ships in the Inner Harbor. See Travel Tip.

Major General Marquis de Lafayett

What a beautiful city. They are in the process of rebuilding much of the old town homes and wonderful historical buildings. The architecture is just stunning, which I enjoyed very much. At the Harbor is a very happening place. I can't tell you how I enjoyed my time there. All the history and wonderful buildings full of charm. The people were pretty nice too.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Some wonderful friendly people too!;-) Beautiful. Lots to see and do;-)
Cons:Crime is high here, so be careful at night.
In a nutshell:Everyone should visit at least once, maybe twice;-)

Last visit to Baltimore: Sep 2003
Intro Updated Sep 17, 2009
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Reviews (36)

~Baltimore Orioles~ Sports & Outdoors (1)

After you take a tour of this wonderful place. If you have enough time, you should watch a game. What I found so neat is... more travel advice

Cruise The Harbor Things to Do (16)

Very fun and relaxing to just cruise the harbor and take in the wonderful weather. Great picture taking opportunities... more travel advice

Just Look Around Nightlife (2)

This whole area is geared to attract and entertain day or night. Lots of security roaming around to keep you safe. They... more travel advice

Shopping Everywhere Shopping (2)

Just about all the business along the harbor are all here for the tourist. LOTS of different types of souvenirs shops... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All 1900 Power Plant
Off The Beaten Path (8)
See All Major General Marquis de Lafayett...
Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All ONE WAY Streets

Transportation (1)
Baltimore Water Taxi's
Hotels (1)
Very Elegant
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Comments (44)

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DEY Feb 19, 2012 at 11:48 PM

As someone who lives just outside of Baltimore, you have done great justice to this wonderful city! There are so many parts of the city visitors might miss due to lack of time. You have done very well!
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LoriPori Feb 19, 2012 at 11:43 PM

You havwe captured most of what Baltimore has to offer. Great page. Brings back memories of our visit there for a VT Meet a few years ago. Well done.
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ViajesdelMundo Nov 8, 2011 at 9:14 AM

both my grandfathers were Engineers with the B & O, and my father was in the Passenger Traffic Dept and so we took lots of train trips growing up! and then I worked for James Rouse in 60s, when he was changing the face of Baltimore, the Harbor and started Columbia City! as always, great tips!!
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kokoryko Feb 3, 2011 at 1:57 PM

I think I should one day visit the cities of « New England ». The Inner Harbour seems a very interesting place. Very interesting page, Dee, like a lot the way you write about the maritime history.
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deecat Dec 11, 2010 at 7:23 PM

Another stellar job!Insightful about panhandlers. Loved the fort, fountains, water taxi, light house, monuments, and Maritime museum. Dee, your photography here is outstanding. Love the travelogues (one from behind falls is stunning!)
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Cristian_Uluru Mar 14, 2010 at 3:53 AM

Wonderful page!!! Maybe I'll stop there during my summer trip in U.S.!
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balhannah Oct 10, 2009 at 3:14 PM

Wow! What a great page full of interesting information, great tips and photos! I have learnt a lot, and I think the Inventor of headache tablets should be recognized, they would be one of the most used tablets in the world today.
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scottishvisitor Oct 4, 2009 at 1:21 AM

Looks like a great city to visit = I do like Maratine museums & liked your history links to the Star Spangled Banner!
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Tijavi Sep 22, 2009 at 4:06 AM

Thank you for these great pages of helpful tips and interesting historical info. If there's one US city I HAVE to visit, this is it. My niece whom I love to bits lives her and how she's proud to be a Baltimore transplant, telling me how historical it is!
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ncfg Aug 1, 2009 at 3:57 AM

Great update Dee :) The Baltimore Maritime Museum must be great. It's look like a great town to visit.