No less than John Quincy Adams gave Baltimore its nickname “The Monumental City”, and its unique skyline is one of the city's greatest attractions. Baltimore's skyline inspired Francis Scott Key who penned the Star Spangled Banner while the city was being bombarded by British warships. The skyline, dotted with churches and monuments, gives Baltimore a unique look.
Photo by Jeff Kubina licensed under cc by 2.0.
Architecture Over 200 Years
The attractions of Baltimore start with its buildings which show samples of architectural styles spanning over two centuries. The buildings include works of famous architects like Benjamin Latrobe, John Russel Pope and I. M. Pei. The Baltimore Basilica by Latrobe is the country's oldest Catholic cathedral. The Peale Museum, now the Municipal Museum of Baltimore, built by Robert Long Carey, Sr. is the first building in the USA specifically designed as a museum. The McKim Free School, is a Greek-style structure included in the National Register of Historic Places, and the Lloyd Street Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in the country. Other structures in Baltimore established architectural firsts, such as the Phoenix Shot Tower (the tallest in the country until the Civil War), the Sun Iron Building by R. C. Hatfield (the first iron front building) and the Baltimore World Trade Center (the world's tallest equilateral pentagonal building). Even in sports, Baltimore's architecture is a standout with the Oriole Park at Camden Yards considered the most beautiful baseball park in the major leagues.
Monuments and Museums
Mt. Vernon, named after George Washington's home, is marked by the original Washington Monument, a 178-feet column with 228 steps to the top, that provides a wonderful view of Baltimore. The Battle Monument in downtown Baltimore commemorates the British attack on the city and honors those who fought in the War of 1812. The Fallsway Monument marks the location of a road and sewer project in the 1920's. The Francis Scott Key Monument in Eutaw Place, the Indian Monument in Clifton Park, and the Reese Monument at Eastern High School are among the many other monuments in Baltimore that honor one historical person or event.
After seeing the usual sights and doing the usual rounds in Baltimore, you'll find the monuments one of the most interesting attractions of any city in the United States.
Discover more of Baltimore From Baltimore Information Center.