Baltimore history started in the 1600s with the granting of land in the area to George Calvert, otherwise known as Lord Baltimore. King Charles I of England had the power to grant land as such in colonial America, and it was in 1632 that he awarded Lord Baltimore with his sizable plot along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.
The area that is today Baltimore County first took on its county name in 1659, and by the 1660s, the Maryland General Assembly started granting land patents to colonists. The thriving tobacco trade on the eastern seaboard sustained the early colonists, as did the water-driven mills that popped up along the tributaries of the Patapsco River. A port was established in 1706, mainly to support the tobacco trade, and not long after that, the city of Baltimore itself was founded.
One of the most important years in the history of Baltimore Maryland is 1729. On July 30 of this year, Baltimore was officially founded as a town. Thanks to the tobacco trade and the growing mill industry, it didn't take long for Baltimore to grow into a major trading hub on the east coast. In terms of Baltimore Inner Harbor history, the harbor saw ships full of tobacco leaving for Europe on a regular basis starting in the 1740s. The river mills churned out both flour and grain that was especially valuable to the sugar-producing colonies that were found throughout the Caribbean. During this period in Baltimore history, things were good. The oncoming Revolutionary War, however, eventually put a damper on the good times, at least for a while.
The late 1700s and early 1800s was a rather tumultuous period in the history of Baltimore Maryland. The city played a significant role in the various events that led to the Revolutionary War, with the refusal to trade with Britain in the late 1700s being a major instigator. After the U.S. defeated the British in the Revolutionary War, Baltimore essentially picked up where it left off in terms of commercial pursuits. The growing shipbuilding industry, which is a large part of Baltimore Inner Harbor history, helped the city prosper, and in 1797, official city status was granted.
The British didn't exactly go away once the Revolutionary War was over. In 1812, a new war broke out between the United States and the British Empire. During the War of 1812, Fort McHenry, which was designed in 1798, successfully defended the Baltimore Harbor. This is one of the most significant moments in Baltimore Inner Harbor history, as well as the larger history of the city. As the British bombarded the fort and the Inner Harbor on the whole during the War of 1812, one Francis Scott Key was inspired to write The Star Spangled Banner. This poem was eventually set to music and became the U.S. national anthem. Fort McHenry can still be found at its original site on Locust Point and is one of the best attractions relating to the history of Baltimore Maryland.
After the War of 1812 ended, Baltimore started to grow in rapid fashion. This had a lot to do with the establishment of the privately owned Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1830. This railroad linked Baltimore to the Midwest's major markets, which in turn saw Baltimore become a major manufacturing center. A number of churches, one of which is the famous Baltimore Basilica, sprung up around town as Baltimore continued to prosper, and until the Civil War started, things were going great. During the war, the entire state of Maryland fell under federal control due mostly to its location, though things returned to "normal" once the war was over. In 1904, however, another major moment in Baltimore history once again put a damper on things. This was the year that the Great Baltimore Fire destroyed most of the city. Baltimore was quickly rebuilt, however, and became a rather prosperous place to be in the early twentieth century.
As is true of many cities across the U.S., Baltimore began to decline in the 1960s and 70s. The downtown area and the Inner Harbor were largely neglected after many city dwellers made an exodus to the suburbs, and this area was mostly filled with abandoned warehouses. A revitalization effort was sparked in the 1970s, however, and this effort lasted well into the 1990s. The Baltimore Convention Center, National Aquarium, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards are just some of the fantastic attractions that were built during the city's revitalization period.
When it comes to the more specific Baltimore Inner Harbor history, it is important to note that this harbor was the second leading port of entry for European immigrants after New York City's Ellis Island. You can take a tour of Baltimore's Inner Harbor if you want to learn more about its history on a visit to the city, and as far as learning more about the city on the whole, there are various museums and historical landmarks of interest that are not to be overlooked. The museums include the Maryland Historical Society and the B&O Railroad Museum, while Fort McHenry and the Battle Monument are among the most significant historical landmarks. The latter is the official symbol of the city and commemorates the Battle of Baltimore. It can be found on Calvert Street about five blocks north of the Inner Harbor waterfront.
Showing posts with label Maryland State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maryland State. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
History of Maryland
One of the best ways to learn more about many aspects of Maryland history is to tour the historic sites found all around the state. The history of Maryland is revealed in beautiful architecture found in cities like Annapolis and Baltimore. As you're enjoying the many things to do in both cities it's inevitable that you'll notice at least some of these fine examples of Maryland colonial history. Near Frederick, In Fort Frederick State Park, the site of the prime frontier resistance during the Indian and French War in the 1700s. Restored close to their original state, the barracks and stone wall and historic displays offer a look back into this fascinating time period.
Near Hagerstown and Frederick, the Antietam National Battlefield site is another terrific place to learn more about the history of Maryland. At the battlefield, Maryland state history depicts the torrid battle between the Confederates and Union troops. This battle ended the initial invasion, by General Lee, into the north and is flagged by a visitors center, a number of monuments and battlefield exhibits. Another fine example of Maryland history can be seen in the well-maintained Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore near the Inner Harbor. Both the catalyst of inspiration for the country's famous national anthem, written by Francis Scott Key, and a survival point of an attack that saw almost 2,000 shells, rockets and bombs fired at the fort. The War of 1812 is depicted well and there are a number of exhibits that outline this part of Maryland state history perfectly.
Maryland colonial history marks an entrepreneurial spirit not seen before in the area. Dating back to the late 17th century, the first government in Maryland was formed. The very first group of settlers in Maryland colonial history include almost twenty men and their wives and more than two hundred other people. This was the very beginning of the history of the Maryland seen today, one of prosperity and wealth and many civil freedoms. Maryland colonial history is of particular interest to history buffs because Maryland was one fo the original thirteen colonies in the United States, a fact Marylanders are still proud of today.
In Maryland history, during colonial times, there was much religious conflict and strife. There was a large number of Puritans who enjoyed major support from the English puritans causing much anxiety during these days with Catholics. There was much conflict for some time to come between the two religious sects, including a civil war in the 1650s, but into the 19th century a large number of Catholic settlers balanced out the situation and ended many of the major issues in Maryland state history at that time.
Throughout Maryland state history there were many events that shaped the state into what it is today. German immigrants helped boost commerce in major industries, the famous war of 1812 and the 1814 attack by the British occurred on Fort McHenry, Maryland was invaded by general Lee's army in 1862 and warded off at the Antietam Battlefield. After the Civil War industrialization became a focal point and a dominant aspect of the state. Both World Wars saw a major insurgence of immigrants and the economy flourished. In Maryland history back in the 1980s there was major growth in suburban areas and major projects, like Oriole Park at Camden Yards were underway.
Today Chesapeake Bay is dotted with many beautiful Maryland beaches and Maryland fishing towns and is a hot spot for many holiday goers. Ocean City to the east is another vacation spot mobbed by crowds in the summer. Areas like St Michaels still have an obvious English influence left behind by early settlers. Whether you're traveling west or east, north or south, Maryland state history will be evident all around you. These days, residents and visitors enjoy all that was left behind by a long list of ambitious settlers who shaped Maryland into an emboldened and beautiful state.
Near Hagerstown and Frederick, the Antietam National Battlefield site is another terrific place to learn more about the history of Maryland. At the battlefield, Maryland state history depicts the torrid battle between the Confederates and Union troops. This battle ended the initial invasion, by General Lee, into the north and is flagged by a visitors center, a number of monuments and battlefield exhibits. Another fine example of Maryland history can be seen in the well-maintained Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore near the Inner Harbor. Both the catalyst of inspiration for the country's famous national anthem, written by Francis Scott Key, and a survival point of an attack that saw almost 2,000 shells, rockets and bombs fired at the fort. The War of 1812 is depicted well and there are a number of exhibits that outline this part of Maryland state history perfectly.
Maryland colonial history marks an entrepreneurial spirit not seen before in the area. Dating back to the late 17th century, the first government in Maryland was formed. The very first group of settlers in Maryland colonial history include almost twenty men and their wives and more than two hundred other people. This was the very beginning of the history of the Maryland seen today, one of prosperity and wealth and many civil freedoms. Maryland colonial history is of particular interest to history buffs because Maryland was one fo the original thirteen colonies in the United States, a fact Marylanders are still proud of today.
In Maryland history, during colonial times, there was much religious conflict and strife. There was a large number of Puritans who enjoyed major support from the English puritans causing much anxiety during these days with Catholics. There was much conflict for some time to come between the two religious sects, including a civil war in the 1650s, but into the 19th century a large number of Catholic settlers balanced out the situation and ended many of the major issues in Maryland state history at that time.
Throughout Maryland state history there were many events that shaped the state into what it is today. German immigrants helped boost commerce in major industries, the famous war of 1812 and the 1814 attack by the British occurred on Fort McHenry, Maryland was invaded by general Lee's army in 1862 and warded off at the Antietam Battlefield. After the Civil War industrialization became a focal point and a dominant aspect of the state. Both World Wars saw a major insurgence of immigrants and the economy flourished. In Maryland history back in the 1980s there was major growth in suburban areas and major projects, like Oriole Park at Camden Yards were underway.
Today Chesapeake Bay is dotted with many beautiful Maryland beaches and Maryland fishing towns and is a hot spot for many holiday goers. Ocean City to the east is another vacation spot mobbed by crowds in the summer. Areas like St Michaels still have an obvious English influence left behind by early settlers. Whether you're traveling west or east, north or south, Maryland state history will be evident all around you. These days, residents and visitors enjoy all that was left behind by a long list of ambitious settlers who shaped Maryland into an emboldened and beautiful state.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Maryland
Maryland may be a small state, but it has big crowd pleasers, among them Ocean City, where seaside activities reign and the weather is sublime for a good part of the year. Toward the end of the summer months, the water is warmer and then in August jellyfish can become a pesky problem best to avoid. Memorial Day through Labor Day is the best time for Maryland travel in the area. Maryland beaches in the area are ripe with crowds in the summer months enjoying seaside fun and relaxing in the shade. Get out early and get a spot for the day as crowds move in earlier on in the morning.
Ocean City is situated directly on the Atlantic on the easternmost side of Maryland. Being set right between the ocean and Chesapeake Bay, this region is very popular for Maryland vacations. Other great Maryland vacation spots in the area, that may not be as dense with visitors, include Salisbury, Cambridge, Heading north along the bay to Grasonville visitors can pass over the bridge, heading west, and hit beautiful and historic Annapolis on the other side. This is one of the favored Maryland vacation spots. Before leaving the east coast though, pop into St Michaels and take a few hours to soak in the town, a little gem full of history, beautiful architecture and many interesting points.
Annapolis hotels accommodate visitors on a Maryland trips with plenty of choices and many terrific amenities. The city itself is one of the larger ones in Maryland yet retains a lovely small-town feel about it. There are many historic sites to visit as well. Maryland tours, such as ghost tours and other walking history tours, are a great way to learn more and see more in the city. Maryland travel from Annapolis offers a number of different choices. Many people choose to spend some time in Baltimore, a city full of an incredible roster packed with an abundance of things to do. Major attractions like the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center and Port Discovery make perfect family outings. Dining and shopping and exciting nightlife are ideal for social adults. For those in between, attractions like the Baltimore Museum of Art, Edgar Allan Poe House and the Babe Ruth Museum offer a number of daytime activities that are low key and fun. Baltimore is the top of all Maryland vacation spots if you love the urban ambience.
There are even more choices for fun Maryland trips from Baltimore. Heading northwest during Maryland travel will take you to Catoctin Mountain park where Maryland fishing, hiking, cycling, scenic drives, wildlife watching and more are all possibilities. Visitors can camp in the park and enjoy a number of great facilities like picnic shelters, clean restrooms and showers and access to many tranquil outdoor areas. This is an ideal spot for Maryland vacations if you love the outdoors. A short drive away is the convivial and refreshing city of Hagerstown. The small city, with it's unhurried pace, offers a wonderful transition from the great outdoors back into the city. Explore galleries, discover a number of museums and spend time outdoors in the many pretty green spaces found peppered around Hagerstown.
Heading south , there are a number of great Maryland vacation spots to check out. If you prefer something for a longer period, the west is a great area to rent Maryland cabins. If you're enjoying more of a road trip during Maryland travel, this route will give you the opportunity to visit a number of points of interest and complete a circuit that ends back in Baltimore. Enjoy wine tours through Germantown, get a taste of great shopping around Rockville, take a day to explore Silver Spring and be sure not to miss Bethesda, the city with the highest number of restaurants and eateries per capita in the country!
If you prefer to be on the move, Maryland trips have a lot to offer the curious traveler. If you like to hunker down in one place, minimizing travel and maximizing relaxation, the state also has a host of options to choose from. Maryland vacations can be arranged however you prefer, offering the most advantage for your family holidays. Versatile, exciting and intriguing, Maryland will capture your attention and imprint many great memories in your mind.
Ocean City is situated directly on the Atlantic on the easternmost side of Maryland. Being set right between the ocean and Chesapeake Bay, this region is very popular for Maryland vacations. Other great Maryland vacation spots in the area, that may not be as dense with visitors, include Salisbury, Cambridge, Heading north along the bay to Grasonville visitors can pass over the bridge, heading west, and hit beautiful and historic Annapolis on the other side. This is one of the favored Maryland vacation spots. Before leaving the east coast though, pop into St Michaels and take a few hours to soak in the town, a little gem full of history, beautiful architecture and many interesting points.
Annapolis hotels accommodate visitors on a Maryland trips with plenty of choices and many terrific amenities. The city itself is one of the larger ones in Maryland yet retains a lovely small-town feel about it. There are many historic sites to visit as well. Maryland tours, such as ghost tours and other walking history tours, are a great way to learn more and see more in the city. Maryland travel from Annapolis offers a number of different choices. Many people choose to spend some time in Baltimore, a city full of an incredible roster packed with an abundance of things to do. Major attractions like the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center and Port Discovery make perfect family outings. Dining and shopping and exciting nightlife are ideal for social adults. For those in between, attractions like the Baltimore Museum of Art, Edgar Allan Poe House and the Babe Ruth Museum offer a number of daytime activities that are low key and fun. Baltimore is the top of all Maryland vacation spots if you love the urban ambience.
There are even more choices for fun Maryland trips from Baltimore. Heading northwest during Maryland travel will take you to Catoctin Mountain park where Maryland fishing, hiking, cycling, scenic drives, wildlife watching and more are all possibilities. Visitors can camp in the park and enjoy a number of great facilities like picnic shelters, clean restrooms and showers and access to many tranquil outdoor areas. This is an ideal spot for Maryland vacations if you love the outdoors. A short drive away is the convivial and refreshing city of Hagerstown. The small city, with it's unhurried pace, offers a wonderful transition from the great outdoors back into the city. Explore galleries, discover a number of museums and spend time outdoors in the many pretty green spaces found peppered around Hagerstown.
Heading south , there are a number of great Maryland vacation spots to check out. If you prefer something for a longer period, the west is a great area to rent Maryland cabins. If you're enjoying more of a road trip during Maryland travel, this route will give you the opportunity to visit a number of points of interest and complete a circuit that ends back in Baltimore. Enjoy wine tours through Germantown, get a taste of great shopping around Rockville, take a day to explore Silver Spring and be sure not to miss Bethesda, the city with the highest number of restaurants and eateries per capita in the country!
If you prefer to be on the move, Maryland trips have a lot to offer the curious traveler. If you like to hunker down in one place, minimizing travel and maximizing relaxation, the state also has a host of options to choose from. Maryland vacations can be arranged however you prefer, offering the most advantage for your family holidays. Versatile, exciting and intriguing, Maryland will capture your attention and imprint many great memories in your mind.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Things to do in Maryland
The sheer number of things to do in Maryland is astounding. Maryland attractions blanket the state from the western region all the way to the sunny eastern seaside. Maryland tourist attractions are found in cities big and small, from Frederick to Silver Spring to Hagerstown. The larger city of Annapolis offers many fun things to do in Maryland while maintaining a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Both Bethesda and Salisbury are often underrated yet both deserve a visit for a day or two. Baltimore is by far the most popular destination presenting countless fun things to do in Maryland. Some of the best Maryland tourists attractions are found in the city and are must-sees during Maryland tours.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is considered the top attraction at Baltimore's Inner harbor and offers some of the most fun things to do in Maryland. What makes it one of the biggest Maryland tourist attraction is the showcase of more than 11,000 birds, fish, mammals and reptiles found throughout the facility.
Gilbert Run Park
When looking for things to do in Maryland head to Gilbert Run park and enjoy the great outdoors. This Maryland attractions brimming with hiking trails winding through picturesque parkland, picnic areas with grills and shelters, playground and Maryland fishing piers around a freshwater lake. There are many fun things to do in Maryland green space land like Gilbert Run including canoeing, fishing, rowing and pedal boating.
Fort McHenry Monument
Illustrating a history that runs all the way back to the Civil War, Fort McHenry National Park and Monument is one of the most important and prominent of all Maryland tourist attractions. Found on the outskirts of the inner harbor, it exemplifies one of the most important times in American history and is a must-see during a visit.
Baltimore Museum of Art
For one of the finest art collection in the state and another of the biggest Maryland attractions always receiving excellent reviews make sure to visit the Baltimore Museum of Art. Vast collections of painting, drawings and other mediums from all over the world deserve at least a few hours of attention.
Ocean City
Ocean City is the state's premier seaside resort destination and yet another of the largest Maryland attractions. For those who love the sea, you can't beat it but for those who hate crowds, it's best to seek out some of the smaller Maryland beaches. The boardwalk is the central hub in Ocean City and is surrounded by Maryland vacation rentals, Ocean City hotels and numerous other restaurants, shops and entertainment districts.
Wisp Ski Resort
The best Maryland skiing can be found at Wisp Ski resort from December through March and sometimes April depending on the weather. There are many things to do in Maryland backcountry other than skiing and snowboarding. Tubing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, hiking and the snow park offer something for every age to enjoy.
Fells Point
Fells Point is arguably the most beautiful area in Baltimore. Teeming with historic buildings along the waterfront and featuring some of the best restaurants, shopping, and Baltimore hotels, visitors shouldn't miss the chance to explore this captivating and exciting area.
Babe Ruth Museum
The Babe Ruth Museum and Hall of Fame both offer a large collection of the famous ball players memorabilia. The historic home where he was born is on display and is one of the most visited Maryland tourist attractions in the state. Ball stats, memorabilia, artifacts, photographs and much more can all be viewed.
Oriole Park
Oriole Park is where it's at when it comes to Baltimore baseball games. Oriole Park at Camden Yards sits right next to the Baltimore and Ohio Warehouse, the longest building on the eastern coast, and features 85 acres of seats and fields where exciting games are held throughout the year. When a game is on, attending is one of the most popular things to do in Maryland for baseball fans.
Edgar Allan Poe House
Leading a sad and, in the end, tragic life, Edgar Allan Poe was first brought into the world in the city of Baltimore. Throughout his career he produced and published a number of works that will forever be considered some of the greatest writing of our time. Follow his early years, through his career to his bitter end with a visit to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is considered the top attraction at Baltimore's Inner harbor and offers some of the most fun things to do in Maryland. What makes it one of the biggest Maryland tourist attraction is the showcase of more than 11,000 birds, fish, mammals and reptiles found throughout the facility.
Gilbert Run Park
When looking for things to do in Maryland head to Gilbert Run park and enjoy the great outdoors. This Maryland attractions brimming with hiking trails winding through picturesque parkland, picnic areas with grills and shelters, playground and Maryland fishing piers around a freshwater lake. There are many fun things to do in Maryland green space land like Gilbert Run including canoeing, fishing, rowing and pedal boating.
Fort McHenry Monument
Illustrating a history that runs all the way back to the Civil War, Fort McHenry National Park and Monument is one of the most important and prominent of all Maryland tourist attractions. Found on the outskirts of the inner harbor, it exemplifies one of the most important times in American history and is a must-see during a visit.
Baltimore Museum of Art
For one of the finest art collection in the state and another of the biggest Maryland attractions always receiving excellent reviews make sure to visit the Baltimore Museum of Art. Vast collections of painting, drawings and other mediums from all over the world deserve at least a few hours of attention.
Ocean City
Ocean City is the state's premier seaside resort destination and yet another of the largest Maryland attractions. For those who love the sea, you can't beat it but for those who hate crowds, it's best to seek out some of the smaller Maryland beaches. The boardwalk is the central hub in Ocean City and is surrounded by Maryland vacation rentals, Ocean City hotels and numerous other restaurants, shops and entertainment districts.
Wisp Ski Resort
The best Maryland skiing can be found at Wisp Ski resort from December through March and sometimes April depending on the weather. There are many things to do in Maryland backcountry other than skiing and snowboarding. Tubing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, hiking and the snow park offer something for every age to enjoy.
Fells Point
Fells Point is arguably the most beautiful area in Baltimore. Teeming with historic buildings along the waterfront and featuring some of the best restaurants, shopping, and Baltimore hotels, visitors shouldn't miss the chance to explore this captivating and exciting area.
Babe Ruth Museum
The Babe Ruth Museum and Hall of Fame both offer a large collection of the famous ball players memorabilia. The historic home where he was born is on display and is one of the most visited Maryland tourist attractions in the state. Ball stats, memorabilia, artifacts, photographs and much more can all be viewed.
Oriole Park
Oriole Park is where it's at when it comes to Baltimore baseball games. Oriole Park at Camden Yards sits right next to the Baltimore and Ohio Warehouse, the longest building on the eastern coast, and features 85 acres of seats and fields where exciting games are held throughout the year. When a game is on, attending is one of the most popular things to do in Maryland for baseball fans.
Edgar Allan Poe House
Leading a sad and, in the end, tragic life, Edgar Allan Poe was first brought into the world in the city of Baltimore. Throughout his career he produced and published a number of works that will forever be considered some of the greatest writing of our time. Follow his early years, through his career to his bitter end with a visit to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore.
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