Baltimore is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland. With a total population of 585,708 at the 2020 census, it is the 30th-most populous city in the United States. It was designated as an independent city by the Constitution of Maryland in 1851, making it the most populous independent city in the country. The Baltimore metropolitan area had a population of 2,838,327 in 2020, ranking as the 20th-largest metropolitan area in the nation. Additionally, Baltimore is part of the Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area, which had a 2020 population of 9,973,383, the third-largest in the country. Despite not being under the jurisdiction of any county, Baltimore is part of the central Maryland region.
History
The land that is now Baltimore was historically used as a hunting ground by Paleo-Indians. By the early 1600s, the Susquehannock people also hunted there. The Province of Maryland established the Port of Baltimore in 1706 to facilitate the tobacco trade with Europe, and in 1729, the Town of Baltimore was founded. During the American Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress temporarily relocated to Henry Fite House on West Baltimore Street from December 1776 to February 1777 before returning to Philadelphia.
The Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 was pivotal, culminating in the failed British bombardment of Fort McHenry. This event inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem that later became “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States in 1931. In 1861, during the American Civil War, the Pratt Street Riot marked some of the earliest violence of the conflict.
Infrastructure and Economy
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the oldest railroad in the United States, was built in 1830, solidifying Baltimore’s status as a key transportation hub. The city’s Inner Harbor became the second-leading port of entry for immigrants to the U.S. and a significant manufacturing center. Over time, Baltimore experienced a decline in heavy industry and manufacturing, leading to economic shifts toward service-oriented industries. Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins University are now among the city’s largest employers.
Culture and Landmarks
Baltimore is home to the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball and the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The city boasts several National Register Historic Districts, including Fell’s Point, Federal Hill, and Mount Vernon. It has more public statues and monuments per capita than any other U.S. city, and nearly one-third of its buildings—over 65,000—are designated as historic in the National Register, more than any other city in the country.
Notable landmarks include Fort McHenry, the USS Constellation, the National Aquarium, and the Inner Harbor. The historical records of Baltimore’s government are housed at the Baltimore City Archives.
Government
Baltimore operates under a mayor-council government system. The city council consists of representatives from 14 districts and a council president. As of the latest term, the mayor is Brandon Scott. Baltimore also has representation in the Maryland General Assembly, with multiple delegates and state senators serving various legislative districts.
Demographics and Geography
Baltimore covers a diverse range of neighborhoods and elevations, spanning from sea level up to 480 feet. The city uses area codes 410, 443, and 667. It is not part of any county, making it unique as an independent city. The Baltimore-Washington region continues to be a significant economic and cultural hub within the United States.
Public Safety
While Baltimore offers a rich cultural heritage, historic districts, and thriving neighborhoods, it has faced challenges related to crime. Efforts continue to address public safety concerns and enhance the quality of life for residents.
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