Mosaic Pieces
Welcome to the complete Maryland Mosaic.
The Mosaic is not presented chronologically but presents a randomized selection of Mosaic Pieces to spark your interest in a particular event or person. If you would like to have a more ordered chronological overview, use the six fixed time period options on the right of the screen to get a more immediate picture of an historical period. You can also explore by county or by category. Our predefined categories, tags, counties and chronological brackets will help you see links between the Pieces.
The collection has over 140 firsts, including events, people, places, objects, documents or buildings that are unique to Maryland and to the nation. The Mosaic is part of Maryland’s contribution to the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026. It covers the period from 1776 to the present. You will find at least one Piece for every county and Baltimore City, making this a statewide project.
Captain Thomas Boyle aboard the privateer Chasseur proclaims the blockade of Britain
Chasseur, a Baltimore clipper commanded by Thomas Boyle, makes history by singlehandedly blockading the United Kingdom in 1812.
C&O Canal is an engineering marvel
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.
Billie Holiday, iconic jazz vocalist
Billie Holliday (born Eleanora Fagan and raised in Baltimore) revolutionizes the style and approach to jazz singing. She releases her first hit at 17, “Riffin’ the Scotch”, recorded with Benny Goodman in 1933.
Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard builds the first Liberty Ship
Baltimore shipyards build 384 Liberty Ships over four years to carry supplies and soldiers to the European battlefields of World War II.
Benjamin Banneker, free man of color, is the first Black scientist
Benjamin Banneker joins the 1791 survey team for DC boundaries. He later publishes six annual almanacs.
Battle of St. George’s Island
Battle of St. George’s Island in 1776 is the only Revolutionary War battle in Maryland. Piney Point Lighthouse Is the Visitors Center.
Battle of Monocacy saves Washington
The Battle of Monocacy in 1864 saves the National Capital. Confederate Forces defeat Unionists, but after being delayed they are forced to retreat. This is the most northern victory of the Confederacy.
Battle of Bladensburg is the worst defeat on American soil
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 Antietam is the single bloodiest day of the Civil War
The Battle of Antietam in September 1862 has soldiers of both sides falling for 12 straight hours. It is the single bloodiest day of the War (23,000 casualties of 132,00 engaged). Lincoln uses the battle to release the Emancipation Proclamation.
Battle Monument in Baltimore is the first public war memorial
Baltimore’s Battle monument, designed by Maximilian Godefroy, is the first stone monument and the first public war memorial in the US. In 1822 the statue of Lady Baltimore is hoisted atop the monument.
Barbara Mikulski enters public office
Barbara Mikulski, Baltimore social worker, is elected to the US House of Representatives in 1976, then to the Senate in 1986, becoming longest-serving female member of Congress.
Baltimore riots over the War of 1812
Congress declares 1812 War. Large Baltimore mob attacks publisher of strong anti-war newspaper. Revolutionary war vet and 2 rioters are killed; many injured including Robert E. Lee’s father. Baltimore becomes known as “Mobtown.”
Baltimore invents red lining
Mortgage lending practices in the 1930s reinforce segregated neighborhoods in Baltimore as red lining makes home ownership by African Americans difficult.
Baltimore earns the label of “Mobtown”
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 City is unique in the U.S. at 1850
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.
Babe Ruth born in Baltimore
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.
