Top 10 Baltimore Historical Attractions
Baltimore’s history is rooted in building a great nation. Its role in the U.S. Navy, laying the first track of railroad, and fighting off the British in 1812 only goes to show its rich tradition of American patriotism. Visit these and other Baltimore historical sites and learn why this thriving seaside city is so proud of its heritage.
- Fort McHenry National Monument
- The Star Spangled Banner Flag House
- Historic Ships of Baltimore
- Westminster Hall and Burial Grounds
- Maryland Historical Society
- Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute
- Baltimore Museum of Industry
- Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
- Irish Shrine and Railroad Worker’s Museum
- Johns Hopkins University Museums
Visit this historic fort and walk the hallowed ground where the British bombardment of Baltimore in 1814 was kept at bay by 1,000 brave soldiers. The explosions in the night sky over this star-shaped fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. To learn more about this most famous of Baltimore historical attractions visit: www.NPS.gov.
Let yourself be transported to 1812 in the home of Mary Pickersgill – the legendary seamstress who sewed the American flag. Learn about Mary and her family, and learn firsthand the events which preceded the bloodshed of the War of 1812. Design your own flag and witness period reenactments designed to educate you and your family about the birth of a national emblem and American courage. To learn more about these Baltimore historical sites visit: www.FlagHouse.org.
Step aboard one of 3 preserved U.S. warships and learn about America’s naval history. Join the Powder Monkey Tour for an educational peek at the young boys who served as cannon loaders during the Civil War. Take an overnight adventure and learn the ropes through reenactments on an 1850s American warship, a World War II submarine, or a Coast Guard Cutter that witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941! To view tour options and scheduling go to: www.HistoricShips.org.
Tour the gothic catacombs at Westminster Hall and walk the earth where Edgar Allan Poe is buried! This haunting Baltimore attraction is the final resting place not only of Poe, but many of Baltimore’s famous residents. Legend has it that every year on the anniversary of Poe’s death, a bottle of cognac and three roses are cast on the poet’s grave marker by a mysterious, cloaked man. This tradition has not stopped since 1949, and nobody knows the identity of the so-called “Poe toaster.” Take a tour of Baltimore’s most hallowed ground! To learn more about these Baltimore historical attractions go to: www.WestminsterHall.org.
The Maryland Historical Society is “where history never stops.” This Baltimore museum houses more than 350,000 objects and 7 million documents and books which help patch together the quilt that is Maryland history. Dating before colonizers settled the area, the collection takes an exhaustive look at everything related to Maryland’s history. From embroidered samplers to antique dolls to one of the last remaining Revolutionary War uniforms, the Maryland Historical Society accomplishes its mission to serve Maryland by educating its people about its rich and lively history. To learn more about this museum – one of the premiere Baltimore historical sites – go to: www.MDHS.org.
The mission of the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute is to chronicle the legacy of African American art and culture on Baltimore life. The art in this museum is not confined to static walls: head down to the Jazz Institute for some live soul music, poetry readings, and jazz. In addition to the extensive African American art collection the Jazz Institute also hosts film showings, dance classes, instrumental workshops, and children’s art studios. Learn more about the African American experience in Baltimore by visiting: www.EubieBlake.org.
Baltimore was a leading shipbuilding, railroading, and manufacturing port during the Industrial Revolution. The Baltimore Museum of Industry collects artifacts, memorabilia, and documents which support Baltimore’s role in America’s industrial boom. Located in the historic Platt Oyster Cannery Building circa 1870, the Baltimore Museum of Industry will take you through a walk back in time to an exciting time in American history: the building of a nation. To learn more about this heritage museum go to: www.TheBMI.org.
Tour the historic home of the great Bambino at this most treasured of Baltimore historical sites. Visit the Home Run 500 exhibit; learn about Babe’s family life and the early environment which molded him into the Yankee’s greatest hitter. The nearby Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards is sure to draw the attention of sports fans and not only chronicles the history of the Baltimore Orioles, Ravens, Colts, etc., but connects sports with Maryland history. For more information about these Baltimore historical attractions go to: www.BabeRuthMuseum.com.
You may not have been aware, but in the late 1840s, there was a major influx of Irish immigrants into Southwest Baltimore. These Irishmen went to work on the B & O Railroads, and the Irish Shrine and Railroad Worker’s Museum helps to educate the public on the immense Irish contribution to Baltimore’s way of life. Peek into two period houses on Lemmon Street which were among many built to house the growing population of Irish railroad workers. To learn more about this fascinating slice of history go to: www.IrishShrine.org.
Johns Hopkins University manages two historic estates-turned museums: the Homewood and the Evergreen. Both historic homes are listed on the National Register for Historic Places and boast a fine and extensive collection bought by prominent 19th century Baltimore families. The furnishings reflect the imports landing in Baltimore during the mid-19th century. Stroll the Italian-style gardens; peruse the Carroll family’s dressing room and side chambers; sit in the historic John Work Garrett Library which houses scores of rare manuscripts. To learn more about these Baltimore historical sites go to: www.Museums.JHU.edu.