History of Baltimore, (Baltimore (city) County) Maryland United States of America

BALTIMORE, a city, port of entry, and seat of justice of Baltimore county, Maryland, is situated on a small bay or estuary which extends about two miles and a half inland from the N. side of Patapsco river, about 12 miles from its entrance into Chesapeake bay. The city, by ship channel, is about 200 miles from the ocean. It is 38 miles by railroad N. E. from Washington, and 98 miles S. W. from Philadelphia. Lat. 39° 17´ N., lon. 76° 37´ W. Baltimore is admirably situated both for foreign and internal commerce. The bay around which it is built affords a secure and spacious harbor, and it has communication by railway not only with Philadelphia and Washington, but with Winchester, Annapolis, Cumberland, Frederick City, York, Lancaster, and Harrisburg. The limits of the city comprise about 10,000 acres of land, extending about four miles and a half from east to west, and three and a half from north to south. It consisted originally of more than fifty elevations or hills, separated by abrupt valleys, or ravines, and in a few instances by formidable marshes, while, nearly in the centre, it is divided by a rapid stream of water known as "Jones' Falls." This stream has several times overflowed its banks, causing loss of life as well as occasioning a great damage to property. The city authorities have in consequence been at great pains to remove all obstructions from its bed, and have taken care that the numerous bridges by which the stream is crossed should be constructed with a single arch, and of such a height as to remove all further danger from this source. The city east of Jones' Falls is divided into two parts, Fell's Point and the Old Town. The Point is the most easterly portion of Baltimore, and has the advantage of greater depth of water at the wharves than the upper harbor contains. It is the resort of seamen and immigrants, and the place where the greater part of the shipbuilding and manufactures of the city are carried on. Old Town lies north and west of this, and is principally inhabited by mechanics and laborers. The portion west of "the Falls" is likewise divided into two parts, the City Proper and Spring Garden section. The former is the centre of trade, and contains most of the residences of the more wealthy citizens. Spring Garden section is the extreme south-western quarter, and is inhabited chiefly by mechanics and laborers. From the number and prominence of its monuments, Baltimore has been denominated the Monumental city. The most remarkable of these is the Washington monument, which stands on an eminence at the intersection of Charles and Monument streets, about 150 feet above high-water mark. Its base, 20 feet high and 50 feet square, supports a Doric column 167 feet in height, surmounted by a statue of Washington 13 feet high. The shaft, 20 feet square at the base and 14 at the top, is ascended by means of a winding stairway within. The whole is composed of white marble, and cost $200,000. Its summit commands a beautiful and varied prospect. Battle monument, at the corner of Calvert and Fayette streets, was erected in 1815, to the memory of those who fell while defending the city from the attack of the British, September 12, 1814. The base is square and 20 feet in height, with an Egyptian door on each front. The column, 18 feet high, is in the form of the Roman fasces, and encircled by bands having the names of those who fell in the battle inscribed on them in letters of gold. On its summit stands a beautiful statue of a female, emblematical of the city of Baltimore, making the entire height of the monument 52 feet. The Armistead monument, a beautiful specimen of sculpture, near the city fountain, was erected to the memory of Colonel George Armistead, the commander of Fort McHenry, when bombarded by a British fleet in September, 1814. Among the public edifices of Baltimore may be named the city hall, on Holiday street, occupied by the city council and public offices; it is a plain building three stories high, with a portico supported by four massive pillars. The court house, a commodious edifice at the corner of Washington and Lexington streets, contains the rooms of the city and county courts. It is 145 feet long, 65 feet wide, and two stories high, surmounted by a dome. Being elevated considerably from the ground, the approach to it from the front and rear is by flights of steps, above which is a colonnade of marble pilasters, of the Ionic order, supporting a plain entablature at the top. The state penitentiary, at the corner of Madison and Forrest streets, consists of three separate buildings besides the workshops. The whole occupies about four acres of ground, which is surrounded by a stone wall 20 feet high. A short distance from the penitentiary stands the county prison, a handsome building, surmounted by a cupola, and ornamented with a tower at each end in the form of an octagon. The exchange, in Gay street near Water, is a spacious structure 225 feet in front, 141 in depth, and three stories high above the basement. It is surmounted by a dome, the top of which is 115 feet from the ground. On the east and west sides is a colonnade of six Ionic pillars, each a single block of beautifully wrought Italian marble. The merchants' room, which is the principal one in the building, is 50 feet square. The south wing, fronting on Lombard street and entered from Water street, is occupied as a custom house. Among the first objects that strike the attention of one approaching the city are the shot towers, one of which, the Merchants' Shot Tower, is the highest in the world, having an elevation of 250 feet. The most imposing church edifice in Baltimore is the Roman Catholic cathedral, on Mulberry street, between Charles and Cathedral streets. It is a massive granite structure, 190 feet long, 177 broad, and 127 feet from the ground to the top of the cross surmounting the dome. At the west end of the building are two towers crowned with Saracenic cupolas, resembling the minarets of a Mohammedan mosque. The original design was to place an Ionic portico between these towers. The cathedral contains one of the largest organs in the United States, having 600 pipes and 36 stops; and two beautiful paintings, one, "The Descent from the Cross," presented by Louis XVI. of France; the other, "St. Louis burying his officers and soldiers slain before Tunis," presented by Charles X. The Catholics have a number of other churches besides the cathedral, the principal of which are St. Mary's chapel, on Pennsylvania avenue, and St. Peter's, in Saratoga near Charles street, the oldest Catholic church in the city. The Unitarian church, at the corner of Franklin and Charles streets, is much admired for its architecture. It is 108 feet long and 78 wide, with a dome 55 feet in diameter, supported by 4 arches, each 33 feet span. It is 80 feet from the ground to the summit of the cupola. In front is a colonnade formed by four Tuscan columns and two pilasters. The interior of the building is a square, the entrance to which is by five bronze doors, in imitation of the Vatican at Rome. St. Paul's, an Episcopal church on the corner of Saratoga and Charles streets, the First Presbyterian church, corner of North and Fayette streets, the First Baptist church, at the corner of Lombard and Sharp streets, and the German Reformed church in Second, between Gay and Belvidere streets, are all distinguished either for elegance or their style of architecture. At the last census, Baltimore contained 99 churches of the various denominations. Hunt's Magazine (article on BALTIMORE, vol. xxiii. p. 34) gives 104 churches, as follows:-Methodist, 43; Protestant Episcopal, 12; Presbyterian, 11; Roman Catholic, 11; Lutheran, 8; Baptist, 5; Disciples, 2; German Reformed, 3; Evangelical Association, 2; Friends, (Quakers,) 3; United Brethren, 1; Universalist, 1; Unitarian, 1; Winnebrannians, 1; besides 2 Jewish synagogues.

Institutions.-The educational, literary, and benevolent institutions of Baltimore are numerous. St. Mary's College, founded in 1805, and situated at the corner of Franklin and Green streets, is a well-conducted and flourishing institution, under the direction of the Catholics. The medical school of the University of Maryland was founded in 1807. In 1852 it had 909 graduates, 100 students, and 6 professors. Washington Medical College was founded in 1827, and has 25 students, and 6 professors. The University of Maryland, founded in 1812, is situated on Lombard street, between Green and Paca streets: connected with it is the Baltimore Eye and Ear Infirmary, where students have an opportunity of attending lectures and witnessing operations. The Maryland Institute occupies a suite of rooms in the Athenæum, at the corner of Lexington and St. Paul streets. Its object is, the diffusion of useful knowledge and the promotion of the mechanic arts. It possesses an extensive chemical laboratory, and a very complete philosophical apparatus. The building is a noble brick edifice, 112 feet by 50, and 66 in height. It was completed in 1848, at a cost of over $28,000. The various apartments besides those appropriated to the use of the Institute are occupied by the Mercantile Association, who have a well-selected library of 8000 volumes, and an ample supply of the choicest magazines and papers of the day; the Baltimore Library company possessing a valuable library of 14,000 volumes and the Maryland Historical Society, whose library numbers about 15,000 volumes, consisting for the most part of statistical and historical works. The City Library, designed for the use of the stockholders, the Apprentices' Library, and the Exchange Reading-room, are all important institutions. The Exchange Reading-room is supported by subscription. Strangers and masters of vessels, however, have access to the periodicals and newspapers, free of expense. The Baltimore Hospital, in the north-western suburb of the city, consists of a centre building, four stories high, flanked with wings that connect with two other buildings which form the ends of the vast pile. The entire structure cost $150,000. It occupies a commanding elevation, overlooking the city, the bay, and a wide extent of country. The interior arrangements are upon the most approved plan. The Almshouse is on the Franklin road, about 2 miles N. W. from the city: the building consisting of a centre and two wings, has 375 feet front, and is surrounded with spacious grounds. The Baltimore Manual-Labor School for Indigent Boys has connected with it a tract of land, on which, between the hours of study, the pupils are occupied in labor, thus combining useful employment with healthful exercise. The Baltimore Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor is under the direction of those whose duty it is to visit and inquire into the circumstances and character of the persons relieved, with a view to discourage indiscriminate and injudicious alms-giving. The other prominent benevolent institutions are the City Dispensary, corner of Holliday street and Orange Alley, the Eastern Dispensary, corner of Market street and Hartford Run avenue, two Orphan asylums, and the Indigent Sick Society, composed of ladies, who visit the poor and minister to their comforts in sickness.

Education.-The system of public instruction in Baltimore has, within a few years past, been much improved, and is now rapidly increasing in public favor. December 31st, 1852, there were in the city 3 high schools, 21 grammar, and 26 primary schools, being an increase from 36 to 50 schools during the year. For these there were 173 teachers, 35 males and 138 females: increase over the former year, 35. The whole number of scholars in all the schools at this date was 9081; 482 of whom were in the high schools; 2477 in the male, and 2321 in the female grammar schools, and 3783 in the primary schools. Increase of pupils over the previous year 1070. Salaries of the principals in the high schools $1000, except in the Central High School, which is $1200. Salaries of the principals in the male grammar schools, $850; of the male assistants, $450; female assistants, $150. Salaries of the principals in the female grammar schools, $450; in the primary schools, $250. Salaries of music teachers, $600. Whole amount expended for school purposes during the year ending December 31st, 1852, was $75,308 89. Attached to the high schools are normal classes, instituted with a particular view to qualify pupils to become thorough and competent teachers.

Commerce, Finances, &c.-In commercial importance, Baltimore ranks among the first cities in the United States. Its position is such as to render it a great centre of trade. Situated near the head of Chesapeake bay, it enjoys superior advantages for foreign commerce, while the numerous lines of railways that here have their termination, invite to it the agricultural and mineral wealth of a vast interior. The recent completion of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad to Wheeling is a most important event, and destined to exert an immense influence on the commercial activity of this great emporium. In the eloquent language of one of her citizens, "We have reached the threshold and stepping-stone of our true commercial greatness, and there is nothing now that can turn us back. The wide and far West has opened her ample arms to receive us, and bids us God-speed in our efforts to secure the prize which nature has so long and so patiently held out to us." The arrivals at the port of Baltimore, exclusive of the bay craft, during the year ending December 31st, 1852, were 128 ships, 292 barques, 401 brigs, and 1068 schooners; total, 1889 vessels. Of these, 39 ships, 53 barques, 97 brigs, and 29 schooners were from foreign ports. During the same year the number of vessels engaged in foreign trade, clearing at this port, was 583, with an aggregate burthen of 147,570 tons: 227 of these, the aggregate burthen of which was 58,772 tons, were owned in foreign countries. In the same period 72 vessels, of 14,598 tons burthen, were admeasured. There were received at Baltimore in 1852, 256,000 tons of Cumberland, and 125,000 of anthracite coal, (an increase from former years;) 33,594 bales of cotton; coffee from South America, 253,692 bags; hides, do., 173,987, (a decrease from former years;) Peruvian guano, 25,500 tons; sugar, 25,772 hogsheads, and 2960 barrels; West India molasses, 7027 hogsheads, 2064 tierces, and 80 barrels-coastwise, 838 hogsheads, 153 tierces, and 14,794 barrels; wool, about 925,000 pounds, of which some 325,000 pounds were of foreign raising; 3,415,150 bushels of wheat; 3,745,900 bushels of Indian corn: the total of all kinds of grain and pulse, 8,177,050 bushels; about 115,000 barrels of whisky; 76,402,129 feet of lumber, and 66,572 hogsheads of tobacco. There were also inspected at Baltimore the same year, wheat flour, 1,307,165 barrels; rye flour, 6449 barrels; corn meal, 447 hogsheads, and 52,658 barrels; mackerel, 22,337 barrels; herring, 29,000 barrels, and shad 4565 barrels. The provision trade of Baltimore is estimated at $8,000,000 annually. Imports of Baltimore in 1850, $6,417,113; 1851, $7,243,963. Exports in 1850, $8,530,970; 1851, $6,466,165; 1852, $7,549,766. There were, January 3, 1853, 12 banks in Baltimore, with an aggregate capital of $7,291,415, and a circulation of $2,074,587; 2 other banks have since been chartered; 1 health and 10 fire and marine insurance companies, besides many insurance agencies. The total assessed value of the real and personal property of the city of Baltimore in 1850, amounted to $80,237,960. It is contemplated to establish a line of steamers between Baltimore and Savannah. The steamer Palmetto, sailing to Charleston, is to have a consort of 1300 tons, (the largest steamship ever built at Baltimore,) which is already in an advanced stage of construction.

Baltimore enjoys superior advantages for manufactures. Jones's Falls and Patapsco river afford immense water-power, which is extensively employed for flouring mills, of which there are over 60 within 20 miles of the city. Numerous cotton and other manufactories are also in operation. Mr. Ross Winans has here one of the largest engine establishments in the United States, where near 100 locomotives, worth each about $10,000, are made annually.

This city has an abundant supply of pure water, both from springs and from Jones's Falls. These springs, or fountains, are in different parts of the city, and enclosed with circular iron railings. Over them are small open temples, consisting of a dome supported by pillars. The water from Jones's Falls is brought by means of an aqueduct, about half a mile long, to a reservoir in Calvert street, and from thence is conducted through distributing pipes to the various parts of the city. The more elevated portions, however, are supplied from a reservoir replenished by forcing-pumps on an eminence in Charles street, near Washington Monument. On Federal Hill is an observatory, which serves, in connection with another at Bodkin Point, to announce the approach of vessels. In this way a marine telegraph is established, by which information is conveyed in a few minutes from the mouth of the Patapsco to an observatory in the exchange.

Among the numerous hotels which Baltimore contains, may be mentioned the City Hotel, (formerly Barnum's,) in Calvert street, near the Battle Monument; McIntosh Howard House, in Howard street; the Eutaw House, corner of Eutaw and Baltimore streets; the Fountain Hotel, in Light street; and the United States Hotel. About 25 newspapers are issued in Baltimore, of which 6 or 7 are dailies.

History.-The present site of the city of Baltimore was first fixed upon for a town in 1729; the name Baltimore was given to it in 1745. In 1768 it became the shire town of the county. Its first newspaper, "The Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser," a weekly, was issued on the 20th of August in 1773. It became a port of entry, a custom house was opened, and a naval officer appointed in 1780. None of the streets were paved till 1782, when a beginning was made on Baltimore street, which has always been regarded as the main street of the city. In the same year the first regular communication with Philadelphia-a line of stage coaches-was commenced; watchmen were employed in 1784; an act of incorporation was obtained on the last day of the year 1796, and the city government was organized in 1797. A census was taken in 1775, when the town was found to contain 564 houses and 5934 persons. In 1790, there were in Baltimore 13,530 inhabitants; in 1800, 26,514; in 1810, 46,455; in 1820, 62,738; in 1830, 80,620; in 1840, 102,513; in 1850, 169,054; in 1853, about 195,000.

Baltimore, MD., April l9, 1861. 6th Massachusetts Infantry. The authorities at Washington had become alarmed for the safety of the national capital. It was flanked on one side by Virginia, on the other by Maryland. Richmond was the heart of the secession movement and Baltimore was a volcano under which smouldered the fires of revolt. Washington was the objective point of newly organized U.S. forces. To reach it, Baltimore Must be passed. On this Date the 6th Mass. regiment, about 1,000 men, commanded by Col. Jones, passed through the city. Accompanying the train that brought it were about 1,200 unarmed soldiers from Philadelphia Under Col. Small. The want of precaution for the latter's safety showed how slight was the apprehension of danger. Singularly enough, it was on the anniversary of the battle of Lexington that the stones which had echoed to the feet of the brave defenders of Washington in 1814 were to resound to the tread of Americans attacked and killed by Americans as they hastened to the defense of their national capital. After leaving Philadelphia, Jones received an intimation that there would be trouble in Baltimore. He immediately provided for the distribution of ammunition, the loading of arms, and issued the following order: "The regiment will march through Baltimore in column of sections, arms at will. You will undoubtedly be insulted, abused and perhaps assaulted, to which you must pay no attention whatever, but march with your faces square to the front and pay no attention to the mob, even if they throw stones, bricks or other missiles; but if you are fired upon and anyone of you is hit, your officers will order you to fire. Do not fire into any promiscuous crowds, but select any man whom you May See aiming at you and be sure you drop him." But Jones was proposing and Baltimoreans were disposing. They had decided that his men should not march through the open streets. As soon as the train reached Baltimore the cars were uncoupled, horses were hitched to them and singly, each with its human freight, they were driven rapidly across the city. After the cars containing 7 companies had reached the Washington Depot, the track behind them was barricaded. Cars containing companies C, D, I and L, and the musicians were vacated. The band dispersed, the troops formed and began their march through the mob. They were immediately attacked by a shower of missiles that came faster as they proceeded. Their officers urged them to a double quick, and their evident haste was accepted by the mob as evidence either that they were afraid or that they were without ammunition. Pistol shots were fired into their ranks and one soldier fell dead. The order to fire was now given and it was promptly obeyed. Several of the mob fell and the soldiers hastened their advance. Mayor Brown of Baltimore placed himself at the Head of the column beside Capt. Follansbee, who had been chosen to lead it, assured that officer that he would protect the troops and besought him to keep them from firing. Before he had marched far, however, other missiles fell and his patience with the mob gave out. Seizing a musket from the grasp of a soldier, he fired at and brought down one of the rioters, and a policeman who was at the Head of the column shot another. There the Mayor's Personal participation in the melee began and ended. Police Marshal (Chief) Kane with about 50 policemen at this juncture rushed to the rear of the column, formed a line across the street, and with drawn revolvers checked the mob while the troops got to the Depot. About 130, including the band and field musicians, were missing. As the men went into the Cars Jones caused the blinds at the windows be closed and took precautions to prevent even seeming offence to the people of Baltimore, but still the missiles came thick and fast into the train and it was only with the utmost difficulty that he prevented the soldiers from leaving it and avenging the death of their comrades. After a volley of stones a soldier fired and killed a man who had been seen to hurl a missile into the car. Obstructions were placed on the track to delay the departure of the train, but they were removed by the police. Meantime the city authorities learned that the Pennsylvania troops had arrived at the Philadelphia Depot, unaware of what had occurred and intending to march through the streets. The marshal of police hastened thither and as it was impossible for the troops, unarmed though they were, to Cross the town without a general and bloody conflict he protected them with a force of police until they were sent back by rail to Havre de Grace. But they were not permitted to leave without a hostile demonstration by a part of the exultant mob as it returned from the pursuit of the Massachusetts regiment. These scenes were enacted between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. Five of the 6th Massachusetts were killed, 7 were too severely wounded for removal, about 30 wounded were taken to Washington. The city of Baltimore Sent to claimants the bodies of the soldiers who were killed and cared for the wounded who were left there.

SOURCE: The Union Army A History of Military Affairs in the Loyal States 1861-65 -- Records of the Regiments in the Union Army -- Cyclopedia of Battles -- Memoirs of Commanders and Soldiers. 8 vols. Madison: Federal Publishing, 1908.

Biographies:

George Armistead, soldier, was born at Newmarket, Va., April 10, 1780. He was one of five brothers, all of whom served with distinction in the war of 1812, three being in the regular army and two in the militia. One of his brothers was the third graduate of West Point, and his full length portrait was placed in the library on the academy grounds. His grandfather was a member of the house of burgesses and of the council of the state of Virginia. On his mother's side he was descended from Col. John Baylor, who was with Washington at Winchester. He entered the army as 2d lieutenant in 1799, passed through the regular grades of promotion, and as major of the 3d artillery was present at the capture of Fort George on Lake Ontario, where he distinguished himself by his gallantry. He was in command of Fort McHenry on Sept. 14, 1814, when it was attacked by the British under Admiral Cochrane, and his defence of the fortification not only saved it and Baltimore from capture, but preserved the entire Atlantic seaboard from further invasion. When the foe approached he alone of all the garrison knew that the magazine was not bomb-proof, and he dared not reveal the fact lest his men should refuse to remain. The strain upon his nervous system during the bombardment was extreme, and his death, which occurred some three years and a half later, was due to its effects. The citizens of Baltimore, in token of their gratitude, presented him with a handsome silver vase in the pattern of a bomb-shell, a set of goblets and a salver; he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel by the President, and was given the old flag that waved over the fort during the engagement, and the sight of which "by the dawn's early light" had inspired Francis Scott Key to pen his immortal "Star Spangled Banner." This flag came into possession of Colonel Armistead's descendants, who guard it with jealous care and exhibit it only on rare occasions. Colonel Armistead died at Baltimore, Md., April 25, 1818.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

William Thomas Magruder, educator, was born in Baltimore, Md., April 22, 1861; son of William Thomas and Mary Clayton (Hamilton) Magruder, and grandson of William and Mary (Clayton) Hamilton. He attended Trinity school, New York city, 1869-72; St. John's school Sing Sing, N.Y., 1872-76, and the Peekskill, (N.Y.) Military academy, 1876-77. He was graduated from the Stevens Institute of Technology, M.E., 1881, and was a graduate student at the John Hopkins university, 1886-87. He was employed as draftsman and designer by the Campbell Printing Press and Manufacturing company at Taunton, Mass., 1881-86; was chief chemist of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad in 1887; instructor and adjunct professor of mechanical engineering at Vanderbilt university, Nashville, Tenn., 1887-96, and was elected professor of mechanical engineering at the Ohio State university in 1896. He was married, June 18, 1891, to Ellen Fall Malone, daughter of Thomas Henry and Ellen Douglas (Fall) Malone, of Nashville, Tenn. He was elected a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1884; the American Institute of Mining Engineers in 1888; the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1888, fellow in 1899, and secretary section D of same, 1900; and a member of the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education in 1893, and member of the council, 1899.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Caroline (Soulsby) Donovan, philanthropist, was born in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 20, 1803; daughter of Matthew and Prudence (Travers) Soulsby. Her grandfather owned and operated large coal mines in Newcastle, England, and her father immigrated to America as a young man and became a shipbuilder in Baltimore. She was educated in the private schools of her native city, and about 1821 was married to Joseph Donovan, a Baltimore merchant. In 1889 she established the Donovan chair of English literature in Johns Hopkins university by a gift of $100,000. To commemorate her gift a lecture hall was fitted up and a tablet placed therein to her memory. She also bequeathed real estate to the value of $80,000, the income to be used for the benefit of the Colonization society of Liberia; the sum of $10,000 to Washington and Lee university, Virginia, and a generous sum to the Little Sisters of the Poor. She died in Baltimore, Md., March 5, 1890.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Hugh Bolton Jones, artist, was born in Baltimore, Md., Oct. 20, 1848; son of Hugh Burgess and Laura Eliza (Bolton) Jones, and grandson of William R. and Jemima Jones and of Hugh and Maria L. Bolton. He studied art in Baltimore, and visited Europe, where he studied 1877-81. He was elected an associate of the National Academy of Design, New York city, in 1881, an Academician in 1888; a member of the Society of American Artists in 1881, and of the American Water Color society. He was awarded medals at the Paris exposition and at the World's Columbian exposition. His works include: Return of the Cows (1877); Tangier (1878); Brittany (1878); October (1882); On Herring Run, Baltimore (1884).

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Baltimore, (Baltimore (city) County) Maryland

Local History Notes:

Biographies: