Fort McHenry is a legendary place in American history, as it was the site of a major battle that saved Baltimore from destruction. It is home to the oldest and most comprehensive collection of railroad history on this side of the world, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum. This museum is full of railway equipment from the 19th and 20th centuries, including the original tent buildings and surviving tracks. It offers a unique way to explore the progress of the American railroad and its impact on our culture. You can even take a walk along the first commercial mile of the railroad that was built in the country.
In 1813, the Casselman Bridge was constructed as an important link along the national highway. At 80 feet long, it was, at the time, the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the world. Despite skeptics predicting its collapse after construction was completed, it is still standing today and is visible from historic Route 40 in Garrett County. At the foot of the bridge is Spruce Forrest Artisan Village, which contains several historic buildings relocated from various sites in western Maryland. If you're looking for historic sites in Maryland that include beautiful scenery, then Casselman Bridge is a great place to visit.
You can explore many historic Maryland sites in one trip by following the 100-mile trail taken during the Chesapeake campaign of the War of 1812, during which British troops moved from Virginia, through Washington DC, and headed to Baltimore. The Star Spangled Banner Byway is rich in history and panoramic views, all intended to commemorate the events that led to the Battle of Baltimore. The Battle of Monocacy, which took place just south of Frederick, Maryland, in 1864, was named the Battle that Saved Washington. Although the Union was not victorious, this battlefield is arguably one of Maryland's most important historic sites. The objective of this battle was not necessarily to win but to stop General Jubal Early's advance towards the largely unprotected capital. The Battle of Monocacy allowed time for federal troops to arrive and defend Washington D.
C. The Monocacy National Battlefield has hardly changed since the mid-19th century and offers more than 1600 acres of farmland, historic buildings and magnificent views. It was destined to defend the Potomac River's access to Washington DC and continued to be an active post during World War II. Fort Washington Park offers a wide variety of activities such as fishing and hiking as well as monthly Civil War artillery demonstrations. Visitors can even take a guided tour to explore the characteristics of this fort and its role in protecting our nation's capital.
Another lesser-known historic site in Maryland is The Bucktown General Store in Dorchester County, which was established by former slaves and German immigrants around 1790. The Sharp-Leadenhall neighborhood in South Baltimore is also rich in 225 years of African-American culture. The city's Civil War museum is located at President Street Station, a historic railroad station and headquarters of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Recently, it was designated by National Park Service as a historic Underground Railroad site because of its role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is another must-see destination for anyone visiting Maryland's historic sites. This 40-acre island is now a Maryland historic site and a state park with areas for walking, picnicking and birdwatching.
In 1864 it hosted celebrations for abolition of slavery in Baltimore at Strawberry Alley church which once stood on this site. John Wilkes Booth stopped at several places as he fled Maryland after shooting President Lincoln to death in 1865; all these places would become historic sites in Maryland. One such place is United States Naval Academy located at Annapolis which makes it another historic site full of incredible landscapes as well as an interesting story. Hanover is just a short drive from many of Maryland's most notable historic sites making The Hotel at Arundel Preserve a great starting point for your explorations. Show off your Baltimore pride with T-shirts, hats and hoodies with Visit Baltimore logo. Most of these sites are within walking distance from Inner Harbor hotels and restaurants. One such place is Rawlings Conservatory which was originally known as Baltimore Conservatory but renamed after major restoration honoring Howard Peters Rawlings who represented downtown Baltimore.
