Baltimore: The Allure of Charm City
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

	Welcome to Baltimore

Baltimore is an amazing city. The 13 million visitors each year will attest to that. As a commercial hub, Charm City ranks fifth among all ports in the United States, with major waterways, railways and trucking lines to transport its many wares around the country and around the world. More than forty million tons of cargo are shipped through the 12th largest American city every year. But there is far more to the City on the Patapsco than business. The largest city in the state boasts a revitalized Inner Harbor with many attractions, the Baltimore Zoo houses thousands of different species, the parks (some of which are historic sights) are fantastic, and the city even has a few theme park rides to entertain the whole family.

HISTORY

Captain John Smith discovered the territory while exploring the Chesapeake Bay area in 1608. The region was heavily traveled in those days, when the rivers were used for transportation and commercial trade. In 1632, the land welcomed Lord George Calvert, its first permanent resident. The strongest draw was the opportunity to worship freely, the same freedom that would draw Conrad Beissel and William Penn to Pennsylvania. Soon Lord Calvert and his followers would form Baltimore County.

The pristine land proved a big draw, and in 1706 Baltimore County gained an officially recognized port of entry at Whetstone Point, where Fort McHenry now stands. This development would prove invaluable to Baltimore, and the nation, in the years to come.

A mill was built near Jones Falls in 1710, and settlers began producing flour for shipping to England. The increase in activity attracted more settlers, and in 1729 the farming community officially became a town. Baltimore very quickly became a center for international trade, and merchants eagerly awaited the construction of a new customs house.

Glory shone down on Baltimore during the winter of 1776, when Charm City became the nation's capital. For the little more than two months between December 20 and February 27, 1777, all issues of national importance were settled at Congress Hall. It was here that George Washington was granted power to engage in war with the British. To that end, Baltimoreans contributed warships, and the production of, and many land lovers took to the high seas with hopes of gaining fame and fortune from sinking British vessels. Many merchants and private ship owners joined the fight to patrol the Maryland shores.

Meanwhile, across the pond, Napoleon was gaining political power. When the Napoleonic Wars took hold of Europe in 1792, most European countries had to struggle to produce enough food to feed the masses. Having developed strong ties and overseas trade routes, it made sense for Baltimore to lend a hand. The city had a productive flour mill, ample produce from successful farming ventures, and many ships with which to transport their wares to the hungry civilians caught in the throes of war. The actions of America did not sit well with Britain. Still reeling from previous encounters along Maryland shores, the British joined forces with their Canadian allies in the War of 1812. Hostilities continued and Crown forces beat the Americans attacked the capital in 1814, burning it to the ground. Baltimore was next.

Ft. McHenry Gave The country its National Anthem

The defending forces were heavily outnumbered, having less than 20 war-ready ships while Great Britain commanded 1,000, but again the private sector would come to the rescue by sinking more than half of the British fleet. British troops fought their way to land and made for North Point, but the city held its ground.

Even though the Battle of North Point seemed futile, spirits were high. Many lives were lost but the British were held at bay. The triumph would give the country its national anthem. Francis Scott Key wrote The Star Spangled Banner, inspired by the sight of a tattered flag flying high above the sounds of war. Fort McHenry survived the onslaught, and the successful defense against far superior numbers added leverage to the bargaining table. Sound defeats of British forces led to the end of the war. Soon after, citizens returned to their interests in foreign trade, primarily with the Caribbean Islands and South America. Their financial success drew the attention of many looking to increase their fortunes, and Baltimore claimed the title of the second largest city in the country.

Success and fortune from years of merchant trading drew the attention of the nation. Baltimore began developing the Baltimore/Ohio Railroad connection, in spite of plans by the state to build a canal between Chesapeake and Ohio. Intended as a means of increasing commerce, the railroad also brought many new immigrants to the Baltimore area. The railroad would overshadow the canal trade route, and by 1874 had made its way to Chicago, IL.

Soon, however, dissension between northern and southern states began sowing the seeds of another war. Baltimore was in a precarious position, not only geographically but politically as well. While its commercial interests lay primarily with the north, many of its citizens came from the south, or had family members there. Fortunately for the city, many merchants developed successful ventures that did not involve slavery. This not only helped secure Baltimore's future as a trade port, but also fueled the opposition to slavery. Baltimore became a safe haven for freed men and women from across the south.

Baltimore's location just south of the Mason-Dixon line, the line dividing the north from the south, kept the city involved in the Civil War. Again Baltimore would turn the tragedy of war into inspiration. When southern sympathizers attacked the Massachusetts Infantry on Baltimore soil in 1861, the first casualties of the war were among them. True to Baltimorean style, the battle would give rise to the Maryland state anthem.

Life in Baltimore after the Civil War was fairly peaceful until 1904 when a fire destroyed much of the business district. The city rebuilt quickly, even though the fire could be seen as far away as Washington, DC.

In 1918, when the world was on the brink of war, Baltimore was ready. Sheltered from enemy submarines, the Inner Harbor provided an ideal base for the allied forces. Most of the city got involved, either fighting or producing materials for the war efforts, such as military uniforms.

	Baltimore's Old City Hall

After the end of W.W.I, Baltimore prospered as an industrial center. The Great Depression of 1929 would change all that. The city attempted to recover and build the economy with urban renewal programs through the Public Works Administration, but still suffered. Companies were forced to close their doors, and many citizens found themselves out of work. The attention of the city, and the nation, was taken from the Depression in 1936 when the King of England, King Edward VIII, renounced the throne so he could marry a Baltimore woman. City spirit soared.

The Second World War also helped draw the city out of recession. Military contracts, including many orders for Japanese ships and airplanes, brought in billions of dollars. The city enjoyed a strong increase in the standard of living, citizens began spending again and the local economy was once more no cause for concern.

Baltimore continued to prosper, and in the summer of 1970 the first City Fair was held at the Inner Harbor. The city was suffering from racial tensions brought on by the Civil Rights movement of the 50s and 60s, and the fair was held in hopes of reuniting one of the most integrated cities in the country. Major urban renewal projects helped revive Charm City, most notably the homesteading program, which allowed for the private purchase of city owned homes for a whopping $1.00, provided the purchaser would renovate the home, and the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor, where old and crumbling wharves and warehouses were torn down. The Wharf saw the construction of many restaurants and retail shops such as Harborplace draw new life Baltimore.

Toward the 21st Century Baltimore began preparing for the digital revolution, and high-tech and Internet business began reshaping the city.

CLIMATE

Spring is fairly mild in Baltimore, with moderate temperatures and rain, both of which increase through the summer. Temperatures average 70º to 86º Fahrenheit (21º to 30º Celsius) during the summer months, depending on rains and humidity, which are naturally higher due to proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The higher levels of humidity can create the feeling of much higher temperatures.

Temperatures drop considerably through the fall, with winter snowfall averaging around half the amount of summer rains. Temperatures range from 30 º to 40º Fahrenheit (-1º to 4.5º Celsius).

Worth noting is that occasionally the Baltimore area encounters small hurricanes and tornadoes. Seasonally speaking, it is well worth the time to check current weather reports.

	Downtown, Off the Inner Harbor

TRANSPORTATION

The Baltimore/Washington International Airport lies a few miles outside the city, off Interstate Highway 95 (I-95). This airport manages an annual passenger flow of more than 20 million travelers, with hundreds of daily flights, both domestic and international. Drivers can take a short connector road (the I-195) off the I-95, while other travelers can take the Light Rail system from downtown for a small fee.

The I-95 itself runs through the city before heading north to Pennsylvania and south to Virginia. The highway runs under the Patapsco River, en route to the Inner Harbor, with a small toll for passage. The I-95 connects with I-395 and the Baltimore Beltway, better known as the I-695.

The Beltway forms a ring road around the city limits before connecting with the I-83 running north to Pennsylvania. This highway runs through Baltimore and ends a short walk from the Inner Harbor. Travelers should be aware that the I-695 crosses the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which requires a small toll fee to cross the Patapsco River.

The I-395 is ideal for getting to and from downtown, and seeing the sights outside of town (as it connects with the I-95), but this fact makes for heavy traffic. It can get very backed up during rush hour, so it is advisable to find a few alternate routes.

The US Highway 40 runs through the city heading east-west. There are no toll booths to pass through, but the tradeoff is more traffic lights.

Greyhound Lines offers regular trips to and from Atlantic City, NJ, New York City, NY, Atlanta, GA, Miami, FL, Boston, MA, Indianapolis, IN, and Chicago, IL.

Amtrak offers regular routes between New York, NY and Washington, DC, as well as a highspeed line with connections in Washington, DC, and Boston, MA.

SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS

	The Inner Harbor

Baltimore has a lot going on. Not the least of which is the fabulous dining. Charm City is known for superb seafood, especially crab, which is not at all surprising considering its location. What is less known is that most districts and attractions that draw visitors to Baltimore are within walking distance of each other. A great place to start exploring is the scenic waterfront known as the Inner Harbor, the crown jewel of Baltimore.

Here, travelers can find the best in shopping, dining, sightseeing and live entertainment. From street entertainers and open-air concerts, complete with fireworks, to parades and festivals, a lot happens in the Harbor area. The adventurous might consider renting a paddle boat to see the scene from the bay, or hop on board one of the many cruise boats and take a more leisurely tour.

Fells Point, the oldest section of Baltimore, brings the atmosphere of an old English neighborhood to America, complete with cobblestone streets. Found on the Harbor, Fells Point is well worth a visit, either for leisurely sightseeing excursions or for souvenir hunting. Visitors can find one of a kind shops here, and treat themselves to some excellent dining at the same time. On the other side of the Harbor is Federal Hill, which offers the same surprises as Fells Point, with the added attraction of providing the best view of the city. The shopping districts around the Inner Harbor are among the most popular places in Baltimore.

For fans of stately homes, Mount Vernon has a long history as the hub of wealth and power in Baltimore. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it was home to Charm City's rich and famous. It is here that visitors can find the first monument to George Washington.

Peabody Conservatory of Music

George Peabody founded the Peabody Institute in 1857 with the intention of showing the world just how important the arts are in shaping the quality of life. These days, the main focus of the Institute is on music, refining the skills of its students. Under the guidance of the Johns Hopkins University, the Institute has become an important name in the culture of the state as well. The Peabody Preparatory has a broader scope, both in programs and in students. Among the primary disciplines of youth arts, Music, Dance, and Adult Education, Peabody students vary in age from 3 years to 83.

One of the best places in the state to see impressive works of art is the Walters Art Gallery. Through the latter half of the 19th century, the Walters family collected more than 20,000 pieces of art from around the world, and from all ages in mankind's history. In 1909, the collection was opened to the public. From lifelike sculptures of the ancient Greeks to illuminated manuscripts, from Faberge ornaments to Ming dynasty porcelains, there is an impressive colection at the Walters Art Gallery. Permanent collections are complemented by special exhibits and events held throughout the year, including a lecture series, film presentations and children's workshops.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption was the first Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States. Built over a period of 15 years, the church opened in 1821 and quickly came to symbolize the religious freedom so central to life in the new colonies. The cathedral, found on a hill overlooking the Harbor, gave America many of its important religious places and figures, including the first Bishop and Archbishop (and Archdiocese). The cathedral has since been declared a National Landmark, and a National Shrine.

The Maryland Historical Society is responsible for many things, not the least of which is safeguarding the original poem The Star Spangled Banner, by Francis Scott Key. This is very much in keeping with their mission, preserving Maryland's heritage. The society manages one of the largest collections of American history in the country, presenting various exhibits on all aspects of life, especially life in Maryland. There is a large collection remembering the Civil War, an extensive collection of maritime memorabilia and an extraordinary library with some of the nation's most important historical documents and countless photographs, all available to the public.

For younger visitors, the National Aquarium of Baltimore should not be missed. In addition to caring for a variety of creatures from around the globe, the aquarium also educates visitors with such programs as the Eco Trek: Overnight Adventure, a weekend experience designed to educate youths about Earth's various eco systems; Shark Tagging, studying the life of sharks; and the Marine Animal Rescue Program, a behind the scenes look at how animals are saved and protected.

	The Hubble Telescope

The Maryland Science Center operates with the same theme in mind, educating the public. The organization has been around since 1797, and the modern science center offers many educational programs, including the Maryland Science Center's Traveling Science Program, through which the science center brings the wonders of modern science to schools and auditoriums around the city. Also found at the science center is the Hubble Space Telescope National Visitors Center. The center offers interactive displays blending the history of space exploration with the latest discoveries from the Hubble Telescope. The Davis Planetarium produces and distributes planetarium shows worldwide. The giant IMAX Theater, which has been fully renovated to include full length feature films (remastered to fit the IMAX screen) and the impressive IMAX 3D format, provides everything visitors have come to expect from the IMAX experience. There is a lot to do, and a lot of fun to be had, at the Maryland Science Center.

Edgar Allen Poe, one of the most influential figures in American literature and father of the modern detective story, spent many years in Baltimore. In fact, he spent his last days here. Poe moved to Baltimore in 1833 from Boston, MA, after being honorably discharged from the army. In 1835, Poe moved with his aunt and future bride to Richmond, VA. The family would move many more times over the course of his career, but would make their way back to Baltimore in 1849. The circumstances surrounding his last days are something of a mystery, but what is known is that after lecturing in Norfolk and Richmond, VA, Poe was discovered in sorry states in the streets of Charm City and taken, unconscious, to a hospital, where he died on October 7, 1849. He was buried in the yard of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Baltimore is not only places, it is events too. From festivals showcasing great music and fantastic food, like the Maryland Chocolate Festival, to New Year's Day fireworks for those who can't stay up late enough to see them the night before, or the annual Maryland State Fair, a trip to Charm City is sure to entertain.