The oldest Unitarian Church in the country, designed by Maximilian Godefroy, is opened in 1818, and is dedicated to “Unitarians” who “cherish the liberal sentiments on the subject of religion”.
Oldest Unitarian Church Read More »
Baltimore is first US city to light streets with gaslight in 1817 after Rembrandt Peale uses the innovation to light his museum galleries.
Gaslight installed on Baltimore streets Read More »
Baltimore’s Washington Monument is the first erected in 1815 and dedicated to George Washington. The second, more modest Washington Monument is built by Revolutionary War veterans on South Mountain overlooking Boonsboro in 1826.
The Washington Monuments in Maryland are first in the country Read More »
Ft. McHenry endures bombardment and saves Baltimore from being burned. The “Star Spangled Banner” is written on September 14, 1814
Chasseur, a Baltimore clipper commanded by Thomas Boyle, makes history by singlehandedly blockading the United Kingdom in 1812.
Captain Thomas Boyle aboard the privateer Chasseur proclaims the blockade of Britain Read More »
Rembrandt Peale opens the first purpose-built museum in the US in August, 1814. As a fine arts gallery, it is short-lived, becoming city hall, a school for “colored” children, city water offices and now Baltimore’s Community Museum.
Rembrandt Peale builds the first museum Read More »
Pres. James Madison flees the British army. He spends night of August 26, 1814 in Brookeville with strongbox containing entire US treasury. The small Quaker Community of Brookeville is first to be the US Capital for a day.
President Madison flees invading British Army, spends night in Brookeville Read More »
The Battle of Bladensburg in August 1814 is the most momentous defeat of an American army on US soil. After a strong British force of 4000 defeats 6500 poorly-trained militia, the British proceed to burn public buildings in Washington DC.
Battle of Bladensburg is the worst defeat on American soil Read More »
The elegant Casselman River Bridge is the largest stone arch bridge in America in 1813.
Davidge Hall, built in 1813, is the oldest purpose-build medical building in the US, located at the Medical College of Maryland, the first public school of medicine.
Davidge Hall, College of Medicine, is the first building erected for medical education Read More »
We acknowledge the enduring presence of many American Indian tribes who once lived in Maryland and who now, having lost their lands, live in a diaspora. Read more.
© 2023 MARYLAND 400
