Baltimore is Maryland's largest city, although it's not the state capital. Perched on the River Patapsco, at the top of the northwestern fork of the Chesapeake Bay, it gives direct
access to the
Atlantic Ocean. In the early days of European settlement, Baltimore was the westernmost ocean-going harbor. The
Inner Harbor area is representative of the city's
forward-looking attitude. Baltimore
clippers
(fast two-mast schooners) were once built there; now the harbor successfully combines business, shopping, hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions.
The West Side's
redevelopment includes the
city center and thriving
Lexington Market. Established in 1782, the market still houses over 150 merchants. The once shabby
historic districts of Fells-Point, Federal Hill and Harbor East have been revamped as
bustling communities housing commuters. Mount Vernon and Little Italy also boast a village atmosphere.
Baltimore's vitality
is also evident on the campuses of the
University of Maryland (near Downtown) and
Johns Hopkins University (to the north). Johns Hopkins rose from being a humble greengrocer to a wealthy philanthropist in the 19th century, embodying Baltimore's work ethic and the
American dream.
Its history is a microcosm of that of the USA's eastern seaboard. Named after the second Lord Baltimore, George Calvert,
the city was
founded in 1729. Grist mills prospered on the rivers flowing into the Bay, ensuring that industry and shipping were soon established.
Baltimore is a city with
distinct seasons - hot summers, sometimes snowy, cold winters and moderate temperatures in between. It tends to be windy all year round. Residents are not only proud of its
heritage but also confident of the future, preferring to shape the inevitable changes rather than be subject to them. Nonetheless, one thing has never changed - it is considered almost a crime for one to leave the city without tasting Baltimore's specialty,
Maryland crabs.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Baltimore Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Maryland Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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