Baltimore is a city festooned with history and heritage, the home of the United States’ national anthem and one of the leading protagonists in the American Revolution. If you’re spending a day stay there and curious what historical delights, and more, await you, give our concise guide a look.
Your Baltimore Day Stay Recommendations
- Food – Baltimore offers a range of culinary styles to suit your palate, with a number of pizzerias and Greek restaurants. There’s also a great selection of dining venues influenced by the Far East, including Asian fusion restaurant XS, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean fare from Aloha Sushi and Bar, and the Minato Sushi Bar.
- Maritime Museums – History buffs can do no better than to visit the maritime museum USS Constellation, which provides free audio tours of the historic ship (dating back to the late 18th and early-mid 19th centuries). The ship also performs live cannon demonstrations, for those with a flare for the dramatic. Close by is the USS Torsk, a WWII-era submarine which is now home to a museum (although perhaps not one for those suffering claustrophobia).
- Marine Marvels – If you prefer mammals to metal, the dolphin show performed by The National Aquarium may be more your cup of tea. The child-friendly aquarium has a number of marine life exhibits, including a shark tank. There’s also the Marine Mammal Pavilion nearby, if one aquarium is not enough to sate your aquatic appetite.
- Fort McHenry – Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is now a park, but a couple of centuries ago it was the inspiration behind The Star-Spangled Banner. The grounds are a great place for a waterside stroll, and the fort houses exhibits explaining the historical importance of the Battle of Baltimore in the story of the United States.
Seven Interesting Baltimore Facts
- Baltimore was established in 1729, and was named after Cecil Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore.
- The area has been inhabited by man for at least 10,000 years.
- The Star-Spangled Banner was written in Baltimore by Francis Scott Key, during the War of 1812.
- The city has more statues and monuments per capita than any other in the United States.
- In 1774 Baltimore put together the first Post Office system in what would (shortly thereafter) be the United States.
- The Baltimore Basilica is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the United States.
- Baltimore’s The Horse You Came In On Saloon is the oldest continuously running tavern in the country.