Timeline of Baltimore

The following is a timeline of the history of the city of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Baltimore is a big city with a long and interesting past. Over the years, it has grown from a small settlement into one of the most important cities in the United States. Many events have shaped its story, from its founding to its role in important moments in American history. Learning about Baltimore's timeline helps us understand how the city has changed and why it matters today.

18th century

Baltimore began as a small town in 1729. By 1752, it had grown to include 25 houses and 200 people. Over the years, important places were established, such as the Lexington Market in 1782 and the Holliday Street Theater in 1795. In 1796, Baltimore officially became a city.

19th century

Baltimore grew quickly during the 1800s. In 1800, the city had about 26,500 people, and by 1890, the population reached 434,439. Important events include the building of Fort McHenry in 1803, where the national anthem was inspired, and the founding of schools such as the University of Maryland in 1807. The city saw many changes, including the opening of theaters, libraries, and churches. Notable moments also include the Battle of Baltimore in 1814 during the War of 1812 and the beginning of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1830, which helped the city grow. Many cultural institutions, like the Peale Museum and the Baltimore Sun newspaper, were established, making Baltimore a busy and developing city.

20th century

In 1900, Baltimore had a population of 508,957 people, and the city courthouse was dedicated. The Baltimore Morning Herald newspaper also began publication. The Belvedere Hotel opened in 1903, and a major fire happened in Baltimore in 1904. The population kept growing, reaching 558,485 by 1910.

Many important places were built or started in the following years. The Baltimore Museum of Art was founded in 1914, and the Hippodrome Theatre was built the same year. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra started in 1916, and a new baseball team, the Baltimore Black Sox, was formed. In 1954, the Orioles baseball team moved to Baltimore. In 1955, a protest for civil rights took place at Read's Drug Store, and in 1956, schools in Baltimore began to desegregate. The Baltimore Ravens football team was established in 1996.

21st century

In the early 2000s, Baltimore saw many changes. In 2000, the National Katyń Memorial was built, and the city's population was 651,154. The Portal, a community center, opened in 2002, followed by the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in 2005. The Hilton Baltimore was completed in 2008.

Later, in 2010, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake became mayor, and the population was 620,961. Occupy Baltimore began in 2011, and the Lyric Opera Baltimore was established. In 2015, protests happened after the death of Freddie Gray. Catherine Pugh became mayor in 2016, and Jack Young took office in 2019. Brandon Scott became mayor in 2020, with the population at 585,708. Sadly, in 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed.