The town of Baltimore was founded in 1729 and incorporated in 1796. Baltimore was named to honor the title of Maryland's founding family, the six Lords of Baltimore. In 1768 the beginning Baltimore was a tiny village of 200 homes. As the city grew it became an important shipbuilding center. Merchants prospered and the city's port flourished. In 1851, the city was separated from Baltimore County and given status equal to that of the counties in 1851. By 1860, Baltimore was the third largest city in the nation. Today Baltimore is the 13th largest city in the United States.

Baltimore is home to a world port, many government offices, significant medical and educational institutions and a major tourist attraction. It is one of the most important cities on the East Coast.

There are at least 200 distinct neighborhoods in Baltimore. Among them includes:

? The maritime community of Fells Point

? Little Italy

? The fashionable Mount Vernon Place

? Federal Hill which was named for a huge celebration residents held in honor of the ratification of the federal Constitution

The cannon on the hill, which overlooks the Inner Harbor, is a reminder of the Civil War, when federal troops seized the railroads and occupied Baltimore and Annapolis to keep Maryland in the Union and to prevent Washington, D.C., from being surrounded by Confederate states.

Other Popular Attractions in Baltimore

Baltimore Inner Harbor was redeveloped by James Rouse in the late 1970s. Since that time millions of people have come to see Baltimore Inner Harbor. You can ride the elevator 27 stories to the Top of the World Observation Level and Museum in the World Trade Center. Other attractions include:

? Exploring the inside of the World War II submarine Torsk

? Visiting sharks, dolphins, and thousands of other aquatic animals at the National Aquarium

? The Maryland Science Center is just across the harbor with hands-on exhibits on science

? The kid-powered museum, Port Discovery

? The Columbus Center has exhibits on science and marine research

? See the Pride of Baltimore II, which is fast-sailing 160-foot topsail schooner and a replica of the famous Baltimore Clippers

The Baltimore Clippers earned their reputation by capturing hundreds of British merchant ships during the War of 1812.

Art, Music, Literature and Culture in Baltimore

Baltimore has been a center of art, music, literature and culture for many years. Baltimore is home to the oldest music school in the United States, which is the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Baltimore is also home to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Opera.

The Peale Museum is the country's oldest museum. It was built in Baltimore by painter Rembrandt Peale in 1814. See Egyptian mummies, and rooms that remind you of an ancient castle with suits of armor for men and horses at the Walter Art Gallery.

Paintings by Picasso and Cezanne are among the many works of art at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Visit literary landmarks. Edgar Allan Poe's house is another popular attraction. Edgar Allan Poe died in Baltimore in 1849 and is buried in Westminster Cemetery.

Baltimore, Maryland is a fascinating place to visit.

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