Baltimore

The city of Baltimore is the biggest city in the state of Maryland in the United States. It is the 30th biggest city in the country. Many people live there — about 585,000 in 2020 and about 570,000 in 2025.

Baltimore is part of a bigger area called the Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area with almost 10 million people.

Long ago, Paleo-Indians used the land around Baltimore for hunting. Later, the Susquehannock people also hunted there. In the 1700s, people from the Province of Maryland created the Port of Baltimore to help trade tobacco with Europe. They also set up the Town of Baltimore in 1729.

During the American Revolutionary War, important leaders met in the Henry Fite House for a little while before moving back to Philadelphia. The Battle of Baltimore happened during the War of 1812. This battle was very important. During this time, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem that later became “The Star-Spangled Banner”, the national anthem of the United States.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the oldest railroad in the country, was built in 1830. This helped Baltimore become a key place for travel. The city’s Inner Harbor was an important place for many people coming to the U.S., second only to New York’s Ellis Island. Baltimore used to be a big place for making things, but now it focuses more on services. Today, Johns Hopkins Hospital and University are the biggest employers in the city.

Baltimore is where the Baltimore Orioles baseball team and the Baltimore Ravens football team play. The city has many old and important neighborhoods, such as Fell's Point, Federal Hill, and Mount Vernon. Baltimore also has more statues and monuments per person than any other city in the United States. Many of its buildings — over 65,000 — are protected as historic places.

Etymology

The city of Baltimore is named after Cecil Calvert, an English politician who helped start the Province of Maryland. The Calvert family got their title from a place called Baltimore Manor in Ireland. The name Baltimore means "town of the big house."

History

Main article: History of Baltimore

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Baltimore.

Pre-settlement

The area around Baltimore has been home to native people for thousands of years. Ancient settlements have been found there, showing people lived there as far back as 9,000 years ago. Later, a group called the Potomac Creek complex lived in the area.

17th century

In the 1600s, the Baltimore region had only a few native people. The Susquehannock people used the land for hunting. When Europeans arrived in Maryland in 1634, they began to settle in what is now Baltimore County. The city’s streets were named to honor the country they came from. The native Susquehannock people faced new diseases from the Europeans, which reduced their numbers.

18th century

Baltimore grew quickly during this time. It became an important port for trading tobacco. The city was officially founded in 1729. By the late 1700s, it had become a busy town with markets, newspapers, and public buildings. Baltimore played a role in the American Revolution, serving as a temporary capital of the United States in 1776 and 1777.

19th century

Baltimore became known as “The Monumental City” after President John Quincy Adams visited in 1827. The city built new roads and railroads, which helped it grow into a center for shipping and making things like ships and clothes. During the Civil War, Baltimore stayed part of the Union, even though it was in a state that allowed slavery. The city faced some problems in the mid-1800s.

20th century

A big fire in 1904 destroyed many buildings in downtown Baltimore, but the city rebuilt. In the mid-1900s, the city’s population changed as people moved in from the South and others moved to the suburbs. The Inner Harbor area was renewed starting in the 1970s with new museums, a science center, and a popular shopping place called Harborplace.

21st century

Baltimore has continued to grow with new museums, a large medical complex, and redevelopment projects. In March 2024, a major bridge in the city collapsed after being hit by a ship, leading to a big rescue effort and plans to rebuild.

Geography

Baltimore is located in north-central Maryland along the Patapsco River, near where it flows into the Chesapeake Bay. The city is between two land areas called the Piedmont Plateau and the Atlantic coastal plain. This split divides Baltimore into parts known as the “lower city” and “upper city.” The city’s height above sea level changes from the water level at the harbor up to 480 feet (150 meters) in the northwest near Pimlico.

In 2010, Baltimore covered a total area of 92.1 square miles (239 km²), with 80.9 square miles (210 km²) being land and 11.1 square miles (29 km²) being water. The city is almost completely surrounded by Baltimore County but operates independently from it. To the south, it is bordered by Anne Arundel County.

Baltimore has many important buildings from different times in history, designed by famous architects. Notable structures include the Baltimore Basilica, one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the United States, and the tall Phoenix Shot Tower. The city's streets follow a grid pattern and are lined with many row houses.

The city is divided into nine areas: North, Northeast, East, Southeast, South, Southwest, West, Northwest, and Central. Central Baltimore includes the downtown area and the Inner Harbor, home to important places like Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the National Aquarium. Different neighborhoods have their own character.

Baltimore has warm summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures often reach around 80°F (27°C), and winters can be chilly, with occasional snowfall. The city experiences a mix of rain and snow throughout the year.

Demographics

Population

Baltimore had the most people in 1950, with over 900,000. Since then, the number of people has gone down. In 2020, about 586,000 people lived in Baltimore. It is the largest city in Maryland.

Characteristics

Further information: Ethnic groups in Baltimore

In 2010, most people in Baltimore were Black (63.7%), followed by White (29.6%), Asian (2.3%), and Native American (0.4%). Some people also said they were Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish.

In 2020, about 8% of people in Baltimore were born in another country. Women were more than half of the population. The average age was 35 years old.

Baltimore has many people from the Caribbean, especially from Jamaica and Trinidad.

Income and housing

Between 2016 and 2020, the average amount of money a household made was $52,164, which is less than the national average. Many people in Baltimore live below the poverty line.

Homes in Baltimore are cheaper than in many big cities. The average price of a home was $209,000 in 2022.

Life expectancy

In 2015, people in Baltimore lived about 74 to 75 years on average, which is less than the U.S. average.

Religion

In 2015, half of adults in Baltimore were Protestants. Catholicism was the second most common religion, followed by Judaism and Islam. Some people did not follow any religion.

Languages

In 2010, most people in Baltimore spoke only English at home. About 4% spoke Spanish. Other languages were spoken by smaller groups.

Economy

Baltimore used to make things like steel, cars, and ships. Now, more people work in services, such as shops and offices. Long ago, the city was famous for making whiskey and hats, and it was a big place for oil.

Today, many people work in technology. Baltimore is known for its hospitals and big companies. The downtown area has many offices and is very important for jobs.

Port

The Port of Baltimore is very busy. It handles lots of cargo from around the world. The port helps create jobs and brings money to the city. It is especially good at moving cars and coal.

Tourism

Baltimore is a popular place for visitors. People come to see boats, museums, and sports places. The Inner Harbor is a big attraction with old ships and the National Aquarium, one of the largest in the world. Other popular spots include sports stadiums, historic forts, and markets.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Baltimore

See also: List of people from Baltimore, Music of Baltimore, and List of museums in Baltimore

Baltimore is a busy port city with many different neighborhoods. It has 72 historic areas where people from many backgrounds lived together. Today, three main spots near the water are popular. The Inner Harbor has hotels, shops, and museums that many visitors enjoy. Fells Point used to be a place where sailors went for fun, but now it has been fixed up and is featured in the movie Sleepless in Seattle. Little Italy is between the other two areas and is home to Baltimore's Italian-American community.

Moving away from the water, Mount Vernon is where the city's cultural and artistic life often happens. It has a special Washington Monument that is older than the one in Washington, D.C. Baltimore has many people from Germany, and it was an important place for immigrants coming to the United States.

Baltimore has a long history of making beer, with over 100 old breweries. Some of the oldest buildings from this time are still standing, like the old American Brewery Building and the National Brewing Company building. Two of its famous beers, Natty Boh and Colt 45, are still enjoyed today.

Every year, the Artscape festival happens in the Bolton Hill neighborhood. It calls itself the largest free arts festival in America. In May, the Maryland Film Festival takes place in Baltimore, using five screens at the historic Charles Theatre. Many movies and TV shows have been filmed in Baltimore, including Homicide: Life on the Street and The Wire.

Baltimore has many museums, such as The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum. The American Visionary Art Museum is known as America's national museum for visionary art. The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is the first African American wax museum in the country.

Cuisine

Baltimore is famous for its Maryland blue crabs, crab cake, Old Bay Seasoning, pit beef, and the "chicken box" (chicken wings with french fries). The city has many restaurants, especially around the Inner Harbor. Popular spots include the Charleston, Woodberry Kitchen, and the Charm City Cakes bakery. The Little Italy neighborhood is known for its food, and Fells Point is a favorite place for food lovers.

Many upscale restaurants are found in Harbor East. Baltimore has five public markets, with the Baltimore Public Market System being the oldest continuously operating public market system in the United States. Lexington Market is one of the longest-running markets in the world, having been around since 1782.

Local dialect

Baltimore and its surrounding areas have a special way of speaking called the Baltimore dialect. It is part of the larger Mid-Atlantic American English group.

Performing arts

Baltimore has four special areas for arts and entertainment: The Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District, Station North Arts and Entertainment District, Highlandtown Arts District, and the Bromo Arts & Entertainment District.

The Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts organizes many events and manages several places. It puts on big celebrations like New Year's Eve and July 4th events at the Inner Harbor, Artscape, the Baltimore Book Festival, the Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, the School 33 Art Center's Open Studio Tour, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a famous orchestra that started in 1916. Centerstage is the main theater company in the city. The Lyric Opera House is home to Lyric Opera Baltimore.

The Peabody Institute in the Mount Vernon neighborhood is the oldest music school in the United States. The Morgan State University Choir is one of the best university choirs in the nation. The city is also home to the Baltimore School for the Arts, a public high school known for preparing students for careers in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Baltimore

Baseball

Further information: List of World Series champions and American League Championship Series

Baltimore has a long history with baseball. Babe Ruth was born there in 1895. The old 19th century Baltimore Orioles were successful in the early days of the sport. Later, the Baltimore Orioles joined Major League Baseball in 1954 when the St. Louis Browns moved there. The team has been in the World Series many times and has won a few. Cal Ripken Jr. was a famous player who played many games in a row.

Since 1992, the Orioles have played at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, which many think is a great stadium.

Football

Baltimore has had many football teams. The Baltimore Colts played here but later moved away. The Baltimore Ravens started in 1996 and have won big championships.

Baltimore also had a team in the Canadian Football League called the Baltimore Stallions for a short time before they moved.

Other teams and events

Baltimore has many sports teams and events. The Preakness Stakes horse race has been held here since 1873. College lacrosse is popular, with teams like the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays winning many titles. There are also teams for indoor soccer, rugby, and other sports.

The city had a car race called the Baltimore Grand Prix for a few years. The Baltimore Marathon is a big running event that goes through many parts of the city. The athletic company Under Armour is based in Baltimore.

Parks and recreation

Baltimore has more than 4,900 acres of parkland. The city’s parks are managed by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks. Some well-known parks include Patterson Park, Federal Hill Park, and Druid Hill Park. The largest park, Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, is one of the biggest urban woodlands in the country. Another famous spot is Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, a historic fort from the War of 1812.

Law, government, and politics

Baltimore is a special city in Maryland. It is not part of any county, so it handles its own government tasks. This special status has been around for many years.

Baltimore has always supported the Democratic Party. For over 150 years, Democrats have led every part of the city's government. In every big vote, the contest is decided in the Democratic primary because most people vote for Democratic candidates. There has not been a Republican mayor since 1967, and Republicans rarely win many votes in city elections.

The city has been important to the Democratic Party. It hosted the first six Democratic National Conventions from 1832 to 1852, and later conventions in 1860, 1872, and 1912.

Baltimore has a mayor who leads the city. The current mayor is Brandon Scott, who began his term in December 2020. Before him, Jack Young served as mayor after the previous mayor, Catherine Pugh, left office. The city also has a City Council with 14 members who represent different areas, plus a council president who can step in as mayor if needed.

The main police force in Baltimore is the Baltimore City Police Department, which began in 1784. The city also has a fire department with over 1,800 firefighters who work out of 37 fire stations.

Baltimore is part of two congressional districts in Maryland. Most of the city is in the 7th district, represented by Kweisi Mfume, and a small part of northern Baltimore is in the 2nd district, represented by Johnny Olszewski. Both representatives are Democrats.

Education

See also: List of high schools in Maryland

Colleges and universities

Baltimore has many colleges and universities. About 100,000 students study there from all over the country. Some well-known private schools are:

• Johns Hopkins University
  • Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • Peabody Institute
• Loyola University Maryland
• Maryland Institute College of Art
• St. Mary's Seminary and University
• Notre Dame of Maryland University

The public schools are:

• Baltimore City Community College
• Coppin State University
• Morgan State University
• University of Baltimore
• University of Maryland, Baltimore

Primary and secondary schools

See also: List of private and parochial schools in Baltimore

The city's public schools are run by Baltimore City Public Schools. Some famous schools are Carver Vocational-Technical High School, Digital Harbor High School, which focuses on information technology, Lake Clifton Eastern High School, the largest school campus in the city, the historic Frederick Douglass High School, Baltimore City College, the third-oldest public high school in the country, and Western High School, the oldest public school just for girls in the nation.

Baltimore City College and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute have one of the oldest high school football rivalry in the United States.

Transportation

Baltimore has many homes without cars. In 2016, about 29% of homes did not have a car. This is higher than the national average of 9%. On average, Baltimore homes had 1.65 cars, compared to the national average of 1.8 cars.

Roads and highways

Baltimore's roads and highways helped shape the city and its suburbs. The first big highway was the Baltimore–Washington Parkway, which opened between 1950 and 1954. Part of it near Baltimore is kept by Maryland, and the part near Washington is kept by the National Park Service. Big trucks can only use the northern part of this road. They used to travel on U.S. Route 1 until Interstate 95 opened in 1971.

Baltimore has several Interstate highways, including I-70, I-83 (the Jones Falls Expressway), I-95, I-395, I-695 (the Baltimore Beltway), I-795 (the Northwest Expressway), I-895 (the Harbor Tunnel Thruway), and I-97. Some of these highways don’t connect directly because of past decisions. There are two tunnels in Baltimore Harbor: the Fort McHenry Tunnel for I-95 and the Harbor Tunnel for I-895.

The first Interstate highway in Baltimore was I-83, known as the Jones Falls Expressway. It runs from downtown toward the northwest. The Baltimore Beltway was planned before the Interstate system started.

The only U.S. Highways in the city are US 1, which goes around downtown, and US 40, which goes across downtown from east to west. Both travel on regular city streets. City streets are taken care of by the Baltimore City Department of Transportation.

Transit systems

Public transit

Public transportation in Baltimore is mainly provided by the Maryland Transit Administration and the Charm City Circulator. The Maryland Transit Administration runs many buses, a light rail network, and a subway line. The Charm City Circulator started in 2010 and offers free bus rides. It has four routes.

Baltimore also has a water taxi service that travels around the city’s harbor. In 2017, the city changed its bus network with BaltimoreLink.

Intercity rail

Baltimore is a big stop for Amtrak along the Northeast Corridor. Penn Station is one of the busiest rail stations in the country. Many Amtrak trains stop here, including the Acela Express. MARC commuter rail connects Penn Station and Camden Station with Washington, D.C., and nearby stops.

Airports

Baltimore has two airports run by the Maryland Aviation Administration. The main one is Baltimore–Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The other airport is Martin State Airport, which is used for small planes.

Pedestrians and bicycles

Baltimore has many bike routes marked with green signs. The city has added over 140 miles of bike lanes since 2006.

The city has three big walking and biking trails: the Gwynns Falls Trail, the Jones Falls Trail, and the Herring Run Trail. There are also plans to extend these trails. Baltimore also has a walking path called the Stony Run Trail.

Port of Baltimore

Main article: Port of Baltimore

The Port of Baltimore was started in 1706. It became important for trading tobacco and building ships. After the Civil War, the port traded coffee and other goods. Today, it has big facilities for moving cargo and can handle very large ships. The port also has a cruise terminal.

Environment

Trash interceptors

Main article: Trash interceptor § Baltimore's Mr. Trash Wheel

Baltimore uses special water wheels to collect trash from its waterways. The most famous one is called “Mr. Trash Wheel.” It is located at the mouth of Jones Falls in the city’s Inner Harbor. More wheels have been added over time: “Professor Trash Wheel” in Canton, “Captain Trash Wheel,” and “Gwynnda, the Good Wheel of the West” in Gwynns Falls. These wheels help keep the water clean.

Other water pollution control

In 2010, a special floating island was placed in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to help clean the water. This idea came from a group called Biohabitats. Long ago, the area around the harbor had many natural wetlands, but now there are very few. Biohabitats also planned to turn an old dock into a beautiful spot to help clean the water. Other projects to keep water clean include special alley projects, more frequent street cleaning, and restoring streams.

Air quality and pollution

Since 1985, a large facility in Baltimore has burned waste to create energy. However, this facility also releases pollution into the air. Groups like the Environmental Integrity Project and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network have worked to check the pollution levels often. This facility is a big source of air pollution in the city.

Media

Main article: Media in Baltimore

Baltimore has one main newspaper called The Baltimore Sun. This paper has been around since 1986 and shares news from Baltimore, nearby areas, and the whole country. Another newspaper, The Baltimore News-American, stopped publishing in 1986.

There is also The Baltimore Afro-American, an important newspaper for African Americans that started in 1892. In 2006, a new paper called The Baltimore Examiner began, but it stopped in 2009.

Baltimore has many television stations. Some of the main ones are WJZ-TV 13, WBFF 45, WMAR-TV 2, WBAL-TV 11, WUTB 24, WNUV 54, and WMPB 67. The city is also served by WMJF-CD 39.

In popular culture

See also: Baltimore in fiction

Literature

Edgar Allan Poe lived in Baltimore and wrote some of his famous stories there, like "MS. Found in a Bottle" and "Berenice".

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote a famous story called The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, about a man who ages backwards, while living in Baltimore. Anne Tyler, another famous writer, has lived in Baltimore since the late 1960s and has written many books set there.

Nonfiction

Frederick Douglass came to Baltimore as a child and learned to read and write there.

Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote about his life growing up in West Baltimore in his memoir The Beautiful Struggle.

Film

Barry Levinson, a famous filmmaker from Baltimore, made several movies set in the city, including Diner and Avalon.

Another Baltimore filmmaker, John Waters, is known for fun movies like Hairspray and Serial Mom.

Television

Many TV shows have been set in Baltimore. These include Homicide: Life on the Street, The Wire, and We Own This City.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Baltimore

Baltimore has been home to many famous people. These people have done important work in music, sports, and politics. The city keeps helping people grow and do great things.

International relations

Baltimore has ten sister cities, as chosen by Sister Cities International. The city’s own Sister City Committees recognize nine of these sister cities.

Three more sister cities have a special “emeritus status.”