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Baltimore, MD

Frequently asked questions

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland. With a population of 585,708 at the 2020 census, it is the 30th-most populous city in the United States. Baltimore was designated an independent city by the Constitution of Maryland in 1851 and is currently the most populous independent city in the nation. As of the 2020 census, the population of the Baltimore metropolitan area was 2,838,327, the 20th-largest metropolitan area in the country. When combined with the larger Washington metropolitan area, the Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area (CSA) has a 2020 U.S. census population of 9,973,383, the third-largest in the country. Though the city is not located within or under the administrative jurisdiction of any county in the state, it is considered to be part of the Northern Maryland region, together with the surrounding county that shares its name.

The land that is present-day Baltimore was used as a hunting ground by Paleo-Indians. In the early 1600s, the Susquehannock began to hunt there. People from the Province of Maryland established the Port of Baltimore in 1706 to support the tobacco trade with Europe and established the Town of Baltimore in 1729.

In the mid-18th century, the first printing press and newspapers were introduced to Baltimore by Nicholas Hasselbach and William Goddard. During the American Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress, fleeing Philadelphia before the city fell to British troops, moved their deliberations to Henry Fite House on West Baltimore Street from December 20, 1776, to February 27, 1777, permitting Baltimore to serve briefly as the nation's capital before the capital returned to Independence Hall in Philadelphia on March 5, 1777.

The Battle of Baltimore was a pivotal engagement during the War of 1812, culminating in the failed British bombardment of Fort McHenry, during which Francis Scott Key wrote a poem that would become "The Star-Spangled Banner", which was eventually designated as the American national anthem in 1931. During the Pratt Street Riot of 1861, the city was the site of some of the earliest violence associated with the American Civil War.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the nation's oldest railroad, was built in 1830 and cemented Baltimore's status as a major transportation hub, giving producers in the Midwest and Appalachia access to the city's port. Baltimore's Inner Harbor was once the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the United States. In addition, Baltimore was a major manufacturing center. After a decline in major manufacturing, heavy industry, and restructuring of the rail industry, Baltimore has shifted to a service-oriented economy. Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins University are the city's top two employers. Baltimore and its surrounding region are home to the headquarters of a number of major organizations and government agencies, including the NAACP, ABET, the National Federation of the Blind, Catholic Relief Services, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, World Relief, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Social Security Administration. Baltimore is also home to the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball and the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League.

Many of Baltimore's neighborhoods have rich histories. The city is home to some of the earliest National Register Historic Districts in the nation, including Fell's Point, Federal Hill, and Mount Vernon. These were added to the National Register between 1969 and 1971, soon after historic preservation legislation was passed. Baltimore has more public statues and monuments per capita than any other city in the country. Nearly one-third of the city's buildings (over 65,000) are designated as historic in the National Register, which is more than any other U.S. city. Baltimore has 66 National Register Historic Districts and 33 local historic districts. The historical records of the government of Baltimore are located at the Baltimore City Archives.

Baltimore is in north-central Maryland on the Patapsco River, close to where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. The city is located on the fall line between the Piedmont Plateau and the Atlantic coastal plain, which divides Baltimore into "lower city" and "upper city". The city's elevation ranges from sea level at the harbor to 480 feet (150 m) in the northwest corner near Pimlico.

According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 92.1 square miles (239 km²), of which 80.9 sq mi (210 km²) is land and 11.1 sq mi (29 km²) is water. The total area is 12.1 percent water. Baltimore is almost surrounded by Baltimore County but is politically independent of it. It is bordered by Anne Arundel County to the south.

Baltimore places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Baltimore is home to world-class medical institutions, exemplified by Johns Hopkins Hospital, renowned for its exceptional healthcare services and groundbreaking medical research. Brick Bodies Gyms’ purpose is to help change your life for the better and they believe that exercise is medicine. The University of Maryland Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Mount Vernon Fitness and Planet Fitness offer comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Start your wellness journey at The Healing Path Massage & Wellness, which provides a range of therapeutic services. For a luxurious experience, visit the Spa at Four Seasons for holistic treatments and relaxation. If yoga is more your style, Yoga at AVAM offers classes in a serene museum setting.

Top sites in Baltimore, MD are  B&O Railroad Museum, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, and The Walters Art Museum.

Population: 565,239 (2023). Area code: 410. ZIP code: 21205. Elevation: 0-480 ft. Area: 92.1 square miles (239 km²).

FAQs

Why is Baltimore, MD famous?

The Battle of Baltimore against the British in 1814 inspired the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner", and the construction of the Battle Monument, which became the city's official emblem. A distinctive local culture started to take shape, and a unique skyline peppered with churches and monuments developed. Baltimore acquired its moniker "The Monumental City" after an 1827 visit to Baltimore by President John Quincy Adams. At an evening function, Adams gave the following toast: "Baltimore: the Monumental City—May the days of her safety be as prosperous and happy, as the days of her dangers have been trying and triumphant.

Is Baltimore, MD a city or town?

Baltimore is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland. With a population of 585,708 at the 2020 census, it is the 30th-most populous city in the United States. Baltimore was designated an independent city by the Constitution of Maryland in 1851 and is currently the most populous independent city in the nation. As of the 2020 census, the population of the Baltimore metropolitan area was 2,838,327, the 20th-largest metropolitan area in the country.

Is Baltimore, MD a good place to live?

One of the most significant advantages of living in Baltimore is its cultural diversity. The city is home to a wide range of ethnic and racial groups, which has resulted in a vibrant and dynamic community. Baltimore is located near several other major cities, including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. This makes it easy for residents to travel to other destinations for work or leisure and also provides access to a wide range of job opportunities and cultural attractions.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Baltimore

Redfin

B&O Railroad Museum

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

The Walters Art Museum

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Brick Bodies Gyms’

University of Maryland Medical Center

Mount Vernon Fitness

Planet Fitness

The Healing Path Massage & Wellness

Spa at Four Seasons

Yoga at AVAM

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.