Dairyman and abolitionist Jacob Fussell invents the ice cream industry in 1851 in Baltimore. Looking for ways to use the extra cream in his dairy business, he sells ice cream to Baltimore. Fussell’s original ice cream wagon is in the Baltimore Museum of Industry.
Ice Cream industry begins Read More »
In 1850 Baltimore, America’s third largest city, is a singular urban mix of immigrants, free and enslaved Blacks, white leadership and energetic industry. As a border state it is an example of the country’s divisions and challenges before the Civil War.
Baltimore City is unique in the U.S. at 1850 Read More »
The first American college of dentistry is chartered in 1840 by the Maryland Assembly. Prior to its founding there is no successful effort to turn dentistry into a formal profession.
First American College of Dentistry chartered Read More »
Georgetown College, originally located in MD, arranges sale of 272 enslaved people in 1838 from its Southern MD plantations to Louisiana buyer for $115,000. It is among the largest and best documented slave sales in US history.
Georgetown College sells 272 enslaved individuals from Southern Maryland plantations Read More »
The Maryland and New York Iron and Coal Company is incorporated in 1837. Within three years, two blast furnaces, a puddling furnace and a rolling mill make the Mount Savage Iron Works the largest in the US. It makes the rails for the B&O railroad.
Savage Iron Works shows industrial growth Read More »
The C&O Canal completes construction on Lock 24 and the Seneca Acqueduct. Working by hand, the workers complete a unique stone aqueduct combined with a lift lock in 1832.
C&O Canal is an engineering marvel Read More »
David Acheson Woodward invents an enlarging camera in 1857 that focuses sunlight through a lens onto sensitized photographic paper. Woodward is principal of what becomes Maryland Institute College of Art. MICA produces two prominent Maryland artists, Joyce J. Scott and Amy Sherald.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad begins with a cornerstone in Baltimore and an initial trip to Ellicott City in 1827. The train line crosses the Thomas Viaduct, the first large arched and curved stone bridge.
B&O Railroad begins 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 »
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 »
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.
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