This nation is rich with history. Especially modern history. While it’s important to recognize that a lot of the original ancient history that was here before modern day settlers arrived has been lost to a variety of problematic and systemic issues. However, that doesn’t take away from the significance or importance of the history that has been left behind over these last couple hundred years or so.
Baltimore, Maryland is specifically ripe with a lot of modern American history because of its integral positioning and role throughout the years. This is also part of the reason that Baltimore is a city with so much tourist activity, and why Baltimore billboards are so popular amongst advertisers.
The following list will take you through some of the most historically significant sites in Baltimore that you really don’t want to miss when you visit.
1. The National Aquarium
First on the list is the National Aquarium which used to be known as the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The National Aquarium has a long standing history, as it first opened its doors in August of 1981. At the time, the Aquarium was at the heart of the Baltimore City Inner Harbor redevelopment efforts.
The Aquarium was built and designed with the intent of inspiring aquatic conservation efforts, and environmental initiatives of far reaching impact. With these efforts at the core of their priority list, the National Aquarium continuously ranks as one of the top three aquariums in the entire nation.
The National Aquarium features thousands of different animals all living in award-winning habitats, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to conservation efforts and initiatives to prevent and reverse global warming, natural habitat protection, and human education.
2. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Undoubtedly one of the most historic sites in all of Baltimore is Fort McHenry. Fort McHenry played an integral role in the war of 1812. The Fort successfully defended the Baltimore Harbor from the British Navy in that war, and was used in subsequent wars as well.
In World War One the Fort was used by the US armed forces, and in World War Two it was utilized by the coast guard. Then, in 1925 it was designated a national park, and later in 1939, redesignated a national monument and shrine, the only site with such a designation in the entire nation.
3. The Walters Art Museum
Around the same time the Walters Art Museum was established in 1934. Today, the Walters art museum is still considered to be one of the most well renowned collections of art in the nation. The whole museum began as a donation to the city of Baltimore which included the Walters original art collection, a pair of buildings, and an endowment.
The museum is now home to over 36,000 art pieces, and is working to lead the way in terms of art digitization, to make the experience of art much more accessible. After all, their mission is centered around bringing art and people together, and helping people find that special place for art in their own lives.
4. Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art offers an even deeper walk through history, with over 100 years of operation beneath its belt.
The breadth of the collection on display for current patrons of the Baltimore Museum of Art is simply breathtaking and something that can truly only be experienced in person. This is a museum that truly does feel like a walk through history itself.
This is partially because of the museum’s approach to curating and collecting works of art. Over the course of the 18th, 19th, and 20th century, the Baltimore Museum of Art has worked diligently to develop a library of art that is timeless. This is the cumulative work of museum leaders across generations and generations, and has established the Baltimore Museum of Art as one of the preeminent museums in the nation.
5. B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum is considered by many to be the official birthplace of American railroading. This is because it’s here that the first stone of the railway was laid, and the first mile of commercial railroad was constructed.
As such, there’s no questioning that this is a historic site rich with memories that played an incredibly important role in developing our country into what it is today. If you find yourself in Baltimore, you should absolutely make time to see the B&O Railroad Museum.
A few Last Words
There are certain cities throughout the United States that are simply known for their rich history and their historical significance. Baltimore is certainly one of those cities. Chalk full of American history, and home to plenty of tourist attractions, Baltimore is certainly well worth the visit for anyone who considers themselves a history buff.
