What is the History of Baltimore?

Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland, has a long and bustling history. From its founding in 1729 up to the present day, Baltimore has seen waves of immigration, economic upheaval, and civil unrest—though it’s also been known for its culture and attractions. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Baltimore, from its earliest days to the city’s role in the War of 1812 and the Civil War to its more recent past.

Baltimore Founding and Early History

Baltimore was officially founded in 1729 by James Calvert, who later became its first governor. It was named after Lord Baltimore, who gave Baltimore its original charter. The original city was made up of 240 acres and was located on the shoreline of the Patapsco River (which is still part of Baltimore today). Immigration was a major part of Baltimore’s early history. In the years before the American Revolution, immigrants from Europe—including German, Irish, English, and French people—began to make their way to the city. This greatly increased Baltimore’s population and diversity. Additionally, Baltimore began to see a rise in religious diversity as well, with Catholics and Anglicans settling in the city’s neighborhoods.

Baltimore During the Revolution & War of 1812

Baltimore played an important role in the American Revolution. One of the most famous events during this time was the Battle of Baltimore, which took place on September 12-13, 1814. It was a battle between American forces and British forces during the War of 1812. The Americans were successful in their defense of Baltimore, and to this day they are celebrated with fireworks every year around September 12-13. The other important event in Baltimore’s history during the revolution was the burning of Washington DC by British forces in 1814. At that time, Baltimore was considered a strategic center and it was feared that it too would be attacked by the British. To protect it from attack, a large number of volunteer soldiers from Maryland and Virginia were sent to defend Baltimore. They were successful in their defense and their bravery is celebrated each year with celebrations and events.

The Industrial Revolution & Building a Port

In the late 1800s, Baltimore experienced a surge of industry and commerce due to the Industrial Revolution. This was a time when factories began to open in order to process newly-discovered raw materials, such as coal and iron ore. With its convenient location on the waterfront and access to transportation such as railways, Baltimore became an ideal spot for industry to thrive.In addition to industrialization, Baltimore also became a major port city during this time period. In 1845, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C&O) company began construction of a large canal that would connect the eastern seaboard (and eventually the Great Lakes) with the port of Baltimore. This canal greatly increased Baltimore’s importance as a port city and made it easier for ships to access the port.

The Civil War & Reconstruction Period

Baltimore was a major city during the Civil War and was part of both sides—though primarily on the Union side—during this time period. During the war, much of the industrialization that had been flourishing in Baltimore came to a standstill because of Union occupation of the city. Additionally, the C&O Canal was rendered unusable due to the war and had to be rebuilt after it ended. During this period, Baltimore continued to draw on immigration as a source of population growth. In particular, many African Americans were attracted to Baltimore’s thriving industrial economy. Even before the Civil War ended, new factories and businesses were opening up in the city offering employment opportunities for African Americans. The period of Reconstruction that followed the Civil War saw immense changes in American society. Throughout the country, African Americans began to gain more equal rights and access to education and economic opportunities that had been denied to them previously. In Baltimore specifically, educational institutions for African Americans such as Morgan College were founded and existing schools for African Americans, such as Ashland Seminary and Douglass Institute (now named after former slave and education activist Frederick Douglass) expanded their operations and offerings for African American students.

20th Century Upheaval & Revitalization

From the early 20th century until the 1960s, Baltimore went through periods of unrest and upheaval. Beginning in 1917, with an strike by immigrant workers in response to labor abuses by steel industry bosses, to violent race riots in 1968 that followed Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination, many parts of Baltimore suffered greatly during this time period. The 1960s saw a great deal of population decline as people left Baltimore in search of better opportunities in other cities. In recent years however, Baltimore has seen a revitalization of its economy and culture. Mayor Kurt Schmoke worked hard throughout his tenure in office to bring more investment and opportunity into Baltimore, particularly for minority communities that have historically been underserved by economic policies. Today, Baltimore is a diverse and thriving city that has much to offer its residents in terms of history, culture, attractions, education and jobs. If you’re ever in town, make sure you take advantage of all that Baltimore has to offer! For more information about Baltimore’s history check out Visit Maryland’s History of Maryland.