George Herman “Babe” Ruth is born in Baltimore in 1895 to working class German parents, During 22 seasons of major league baseball he becomes baseball’s most famous player and a cultural icon. His home runs are the longest ever recorded.
Babe Ruth born in Baltimore Read More »
In 1886 the Pratt Library is the first public library to open for all “without distinction of race or color”. The Pratt inspires the nationwide Carnegie Library system.
Enoch Pratt Free Library opens Read More »
Johns Hopkins University opens its doors in 1876 as the first US institution of higher education based on a German model emphasizing graduate education. It has produced many firsts, notably the sanitation work of Abel Wolman.
Johns Hopkins University opens Read More »
John Brown leaves his 1859 hideout at the Kennedy Farm in Washington County, crosses Potomac with party of 22 to raid the Harpers Ferry Arsenal, intending to create a slave rebellion.
John Brown hides out at Kennedy Farm, preparing to attack Harpers Ferry Read More »
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, born in Baltimore, abolitionist, suffragist and writer, in 1859 publishes the first short story, then a novel by a Black woman.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper publishes first short story by a black woman. Read More »
Gangs from the Know Nothing Party and Southern sympathizers riot in Baltimore during elections. In 1857 fighting kills 17 gang members and injures 67 in the most intense violence of the Know Nothing era. Riots in “Mobtown” make national headlines.
Baltimore earns the label of “Mobtown” Read More »
Josiah Henson, born in Port Tobacco, escapes slavery, leads a community and learns to read and write. He becomes the model for the title character in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a nationally popular anti-slavery story published in 1852.
“Uncle Tom” is based on a Marylander 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 »
Poet Edgar Allan Poe dies mysteriously in Baltimore in 1849. He is found on an election day, presumably drunk, taken to a hospital where he dies three days later. His monument and tomb are in downtown Baltimore.
Edgar Allan Poe dies in Baltimore Read More »
James W.C. Pennington, born enslaved in Queen Anne’s County, publishes the first history of African Americans in the US in 1841.
James C. Pennington, publishes “The Origins and History of Colored People” 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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