History plays a huge role in a city’s progress. Places tend to protect these historical places with all their resources so that younger generations to see, witness and treasure. Just like any other cities in the world, Baltimore also harbors landmarks bearing significant roles in the history, not just in itself or for Maryland, but for the entire country. That holds true for there are basically lots of historical landmarks in Baltimore that has become tourist attractions for several tourists visiting the city all year round.
If you ever wonder what are these historical landmarks in Baltimore, Patricia Poulin listed the most popular historical landmarks found in Baltimore in her article at USA Today. Some tourists, even locals have come frequently to these places but little do they know that they are historical. Here is the list:
Historical Landmarks in Baltimore
While it is probably most famous for delicious crabs and as the home of the Orioles baseball team and Ravens football, Baltimore is one of the oldest cities in America. With buildings that predate the U.S. Constitution, “Charm City” boasts a number of historic landmarks. Many of them surround the Inner Harbor area of downtown Baltimore, making it possible to spend an entire day reliving history.
Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place
Image Credits: Visit Baltimore
Constructed in 1815 by Robert Mills, Baltimore’s Washington Monument was America’s first civic monument to pay tribute to George Washington. Located within the historic neighborhood of Mount Vernon, the iconic marble monument stands 178 feet high and contains a spiraling staircase with 228 steps; local residents fondly call the monument “the Stairmaster.” The staircase leads to one of the best vantage points in the city.
Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place
699 North Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-396-0929 Information
410-396-1049 Direct Line
baltimoremuseums.org/washington.html
Fort McHenry National Monument
Hailed as the birthplace of “The Star Spangled Banner,” the Fort McHenry National Monument is one of Baltimore’s most famous landmarks. This star-shaped artillery fort was built to protect the port of Baltimore; it did just that on Sept. 13, 1814, when the Royal Navy unsuccessfully attacked the city during the War of 1812. Today, the fort is an historic monument and museum that offers docent-led tours and historic reenactments.
Fort McHenry National Monument
2400 E. Fort Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-962-4290
nps.gov/fomc/index.htm
The Star Spangled Banner Flag House
Founded in 1927, the Star Spangled Banner Flag House is one of Baltimore’s oldest museums and has become an important landmark in this area of the city. The facility is owned by the Star Spangled Banner Flag House Association, which was formed with the intention of preserving the great story of Mary Young Pickersgill, the woman responsible for making the giant 30-by-42-foot U.S. flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Admission to the museum includes an orientation film, a guided tour and all living-history activities.
Those landmarks mentioned above are actually very popular locations in Baltimore both for local and tourists. With there historical values and contributions, people will surely appreciate these landmarks even more or might convince people to move to Baltimore. While these landmarks are there for so many years now, knowing their importance is also another thing people must know about. Historical and Architectural Preservation of Baltimore has listed the importance of these landmarks:
The Importance Of Baltimore City Landmarks
Image Source: Historical and Architectural Preservation of Baltimore
The buildings and sites that a community preserves help to define the physical identity and character for which a community is known. Our preserved Landmarks reveal our common values, the past that has shaped us and who we are today. Since 1971, the buildings and sites which have been designated as Landmarks by City ordinance include treasured links to the past and the finest architecture that graces our streets. It is the responsibility of the Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation (CHAP) to coordinate the designation process, which can protect these valuable assets. The designation of new Baltimore City Landmarks is an ongoing service of the City of Baltimore.
The Baltimore City Landmark List identifies individual historically significant structures that may or may not be within a local historic district. In making recommendations for new designations, the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) considers the following criteria. The quality of significance in Baltimore history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture is present in districts, sites, buildings, public interiors, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and:
1. That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Baltimore history; or
2. That are associated with the lives of persons significant in Baltimore’s past; or
3. That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
4. That have yielded or may be likely to yield information important in Baltimore prehistory or history.
The above criteria mirror the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, which were developed by the National Park Service to determine historic significance in American history and culture. CHAP’s criteria will determine historic significance in Baltimore history and culture.
The above criteria mirror the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, which were developed by the National Park Service to determine historic significance in American history and culture. CHAP’s criteria will determine historic significance in Baltimore history and culture.
Property Name Address City Council Bill Enactment # Year Listed
1. City Hall 100 N. Holliday Street 71-974 1971
2. Otterbein 112 W. Conway Street 71-974 1971
Evangelical United
Brethren Church
3. McKim Free School 1120 E. Baltimore St. 71-974 1971
4. First Unitarian 2-12 W. Franklin St. 71-974 1971
Church
5. Ebenezer African 18 and 20-30 W. Montgomery 71-974 1971
Methodist Episcopal St.
Church
There are lots of wonderful, cultural and historical landmarks that can be found in Baltimore. If you’re the type that loves exploring significant places such as these historical landmarks, then moving in to Charm City is a good idea. You might be asking the question if it is the right decision, Bellhops has compiled an overview of living in Baltimore apart from its amazing historical attachments.
The Baltimore Basics: Overview, Cost of Living, Employment, and Transportation
Image Source: Bellhoops
1. A Brief Overview
Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city and just 40 miles—about an hour-and-a-half drive—from Washington, D.C. It is the second-largest seaport in the Mid-Atlantic and home to about 2.8 million people.
2. How Much Does it Cost to Live in Baltimore?
Because Baltimore is a politically independent city—meaning, it’s not affiliated with the surrounding Baltimore County—it has significantly different taxes: Baltimore County has a 2.83 percent tax rate, and Baltimore City’s rate is 3.2 percent, which is the highest in the state.
When it comes to buying a home (which we’ll cover more in our neighborhood section), Baltimore has a rate of $2.24 per $100 of assessed value, which is almost twice the national average, according to the Baltimore Sun. The city, however, is in the middle of a plan to reduce the property tax rate by 20 percent, so things could change.
If you’re looking to rent, be wary about indirectly paying property taxes through increased prices. You may also want to see if you are eligible for an annual credit (up to $750) based on your monthly rent and your gross annual income. For more information and to see if you qualify, visit livebaltimore.com.
If you are interested in a more thorough breakdown of the cost of living in Baltimore, Expatistan is a great site that will provide you with an extensive list of costs such as rent, health care, groceries, clothing, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
3. The Baltimore Job Market
Although Baltimore is well-known for shipping, auto manufacturing, transportation, and steel processing, Forbes magazine claims that it’s now one of the top cities for tech start-ups in the nation.
Other key industries in Baltimore include biosciences, health care, and higher education—due in part to the fact that Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System are the city’s two largest employers.
Some other influential industries, according to Visit Baltimore, include government, defense contracting, cybersecurity, financial services, and sports (it’s home to the Baltimore Ravens and the Orioles).
For more information, take a look at this ranking of the city’s top workplaces by The Baltimore Sun.
4. Getting Around the City
Driving is manageable in Baltimore (as this video demonstrates), but there is a variety of alternatives as well.
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates the Metro, a subway system that connects the northwestern suburbs to downtown, the Light Rail, which is a 27-mile system of aboveground rail lines, and the city’s bus system. It also offers the MARC Train, a commuter rail system that services Harford County, Brunswick, Washington, D.C., and other nearby areas.
Then there’s the Charm City Circulator, a free shuttle that travels four routes in the central business district.
Baltimore also has the eighth-busiest Amtrak station in the country. Penn Station, the historic terminal, is getting a makeover, which is part of a citywide initiative to encourage mixed-use development around transit stations to improve public safety, preserve history, and boost economic growth.
Where to Live in Baltimore? A Neighborhood List and Brief Section on Crime
5. Crime in the city of Baltimore
Because of the popular HBO show The Wire, many people associate the city with crime. And it’s true that there’s a lot of talk about Baltimore being the most dangerous city in America. But there are also efforts to address this issue, such as the Safe Streets program, as well as a bill up for vote that demands stricter sentences for repeat violent offenders and more money for services and intervention programs.
In simple words, living in Baltimore is quite easy most especially if you know the basics including the cost of living, transportation and employment. Once you get used to these, things will become a lot easier, allowing you to enjoy Charm City even more. Give more time and you’ll easily blend with the locals.
