Maryland’s largest city, Baltimore, was founded in 1729. It was intended as a tobacco and grain shipping port but became known for its shipbuilding activities. During the War of 1812, U.S. forces successfully defended nearby Fort McHenry. Attorney Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star-Spangled Banner lyrics during the bombardment. Several decades later, Maryland chose not to secede from the Union during the Civil War. Union troops occupied the city, creating a conflict with many citizens who sympathized with the Confederates. Around World War I, Baltimore began its own industrial revolution with the development of oil refineries, steel plants, and war industries. Following World War II, Baltimore experienced notable urban blight before a highly successful renovation of the city’s waterfront and downtown sections. Today, Baltimore is a well-known seaport and has a diverse service-focused economy. Manufacturers produce goods for domestic and international use.

Baltimore offers a veritable feast of family-friendly activities. Some attractions are located at the Inner Harbor while others are spread throughout the city.

B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum showcases America’s historic railroads and the trains that traveled them. Located in an historic roundhouse, the B&O Railroad Museum features train exhibits, train rides, and other attractions.

Cylburn Arboretum
The Cylburn Arboretum is a beautiful park containing 20+ colorful gardens and 100-year-old trees. A Civil War-era mansion and a nature museum add to Cylburn’s ambience.

Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center invites visitors of all ages to get up close and personal with science. Intriguing programs, expert demonstrations, and one-of-a-kind experiences draw visitors every year.

National Aquarium in Baltimore
This world-class aquarium showcases animals and plants in highly diverse global habitats. Visitors wind their way through the Open Ocean experience and enjoy the distinctive ecosystem in the top-level rainforest. The Aquarium is an experience that should not be missed.

Notable Landmarks
Baltimore’s historic character has given rise to several well-known landmarks. Many more “must see” destinations have come upon the scene during recent years.

Fort McHenry
Historic Fort McHenry lies at the entry to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The brick-and-stone fort became part of American history during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814.

During a 25-hour British bombardment of Fort McHenry, American attorney Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the words of the Star-Spangled Banner, now the United States’ national anthem. He had boarded an anchored British troop ship to negotiate an American civilian’s release.

Today, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine welcomes visitors by land and sea. Fun fact: The red-white-and-blue Francis Scott Key Buoy is anchored in the approximate location in which Key wrote his famous words. The buoy is also visible from the adjacent Francis Scott Key Bridge.

USS Constellation
Commissioned in 1855, this large wooden warship carried 22 guns and served in multiple military conflicts. When the Civil War began, the USS Constellation assisted the Union in the war effort. The ship helped to capture the CSS Sumter, a Confederate steam cruiser.

In 1955, the USS Constellation was decommissioned and brought to the Inner Harbor, where it is moored at Harborplace. The only surviving Civil War Era ship, it has been named a National Historic Landmark. The ship is a favorite tour destination for visitors of all ages.

Washington Monument
Baltimore’s Washington Monument, over 200 years old, is the first United States monument dedicated to the country’s first president. Located in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, the 178-foot-tall landmark required ingenuity and determination to build.

Inside, the Washington Monument’s white marble interior has been restored to its original beauty. Visitors will enjoy the stair tower, a lookout with a commanding view, and an onsite gallery.