Wiz Wednesday

The list of things about Baltimore is as long as its history, or probably even longer! Some information are familiar to locals and visitors alike while some could have never been known or thought of.

Libby Zay, for the website Trip Savy, compiled some interesting facts about the Charm City.

While larger cities like New York frequently get all the glory for “firsts’ many crucial items were invented and can be found right here in Baltimore.

• The first umbrella factory in the United States was established in Baltimore in 1828.
• The first United States post office system was inaugurated in Baltimore in 1774.
• The first dental school in the world was founded in Baltimore in 1840.
• The first telegraph line in the world was established between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore in 1844.
• Baltimore was the first city to implement a 311 service as a non-emergency hotline.
• The first civic monument dedicated to President George Washington, Baltimore’s Washington Monument, is located in Mount Vernon.
• The first professional sports organization in the United States, The Maryland Jockey Club, was formed in Baltimore in 1743.
• The first Catholic cathedral to be built in the United States is the Baltimore Basilica of Assumption.
• Baltimore was the first city in the United States to illuminate its streets using hydrogen gas in 1816.
• The first bloodshed of the Civil War, a clash between pro-South civilians and Union troops happened in Baltimore in 1861.
• Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem while watching the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
• The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 burned for 30 hours, destroying 1,500 buildings and leveling entire neighborhoods. After the fire, firefighting equipment was standardized across the United States.
• The USCGC Taney, the last ship to survive Pearl Harbor afloat, is docked in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Full list here.

While these are unique about Baltimore, there are also things and places one can do and visit that could be found in other cities but done and made the Baltimore way.

The city has a wide range of things to see and do including historic landmarks, museums, parks, dining, and shopping.

Rachel Cooper listed down 10 things to do in the Charm City and here are some of them:

1. Visit the National Aquarium. Located in the heart of the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, the National Aquarium is one of the largest tourist attractions in the state of Maryland. It features three pavilions and a living collection that includes more than 700 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

2. Explore the Maryland Science Center. Located next to the Light Street Pavilion in the heart of the Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center inspires children and adults to appreciate science with dozens of interactive exhibits, presentations in the world-famous Davis Planetarium, larger-than-life movies in the five-story IMAX Theater, and hundreds of hands-on programs.

3. Explore Fort McHenry. During the War of 1812, soldiers stationed at Fort McHenry defended Baltimore from British attack and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the “Star-Spangled Banner”, which became the national anthem.

4. Attend a Baseball Game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.  Oriole Park is state-of-the-art, yet unique, traditional and intimate in design. The Baltimore Orioles are a beloved team with a spirited following.

5. Visit Baltimore’s Art Museums. Baltimore is home to three museums that present powerful works of art and offer a variety of programs and events. The Baltimore Museum of Art features an internationally renowned collection of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art.  The Walters Art Gallery includes ancient art, medieval art and manuscripts, decorative objects, Asian art and Old Master and 19th-century paintings. The includes ancient art, medieval art and manuscripts, decorative objects, Asian art and Old Master and 19th-century paintings. The American Visionary Arts Museum is a national museum and education center for creative, intuitive and self-tutored artistry.

6. Dine in Little Italy. Baltimore’s Little Italy is home to more than a dozen cozy, family-owned restaurants located just a few blocks from the Inner Harbor. The authentic Italian neighborhood draws visitors with its aroma of home-style Italian cuisine from traditional, modern, casual and upscale restaurants.

7. Explore Fells Point. The historic waterfront community, with its 18th‑ and 19th‑century homes and storefronts is one of the most interesting neighborhoods to explore in Baltimore. Full list here.

With the ones listed above and for a whole lot more interesting facts and things to do, Baltimore is truly living to its moniker the Charm City. Over the years, it had produced and attracted people from all walks of life– either to fulfill their dreams or just simply live in this beautiful, historic city.  Already living in Baltimore but want to do an upgrade or whatever reason? Let us help you sell your current house!