Consider what you know about Downtown Baltimore. It might stem from TV and movies, or other folklore -- some of it factual, other aspects not entirely accurate. The truth of it is that Baltimore has endured a slow, but steady transformation over many decades, and it's as good a time as any to question the cultural depiction of the Charm City.
Baltimore Heritage offers more than a simple walking tour of the city's historical sites and attractive sights. On a tour I attended recently, I discovered everything from prominent old architecture to modern stories about redevelopment and urban renewal. Here are five reasons to make the trek:
1. History impacts industry
The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 might seem like it happened a while ago, but if you pay close enough attention, you'll see its lasting impact and impression all over the place. New industry and opportunity followed the tragedy, with engineers flocking to the area to help rebuild.
2. Baltimore is a city in transition.
With the rejuvenation over past years of the downtown area, as more people choose to live there rather than in the surrounding areas, Baltimore feels alive in a more significant way. As you make your way through the city streets, there's more than buildings to look at and pay attention to; take heed of the diversity of the locals, some in business suits, others leaving local diners. Nearly every block provides a strong sense of community and evolution.
3. Monuments stand proud.
Amid daily activity, it's easy to neglect what's standing right in front of you. Baltimore is no stranger to monuments and memorials, as they sit in the heart of the city, yet unless you stop and think about what they represent and why they're there, you might miss the significance. Did you know Baltimore has its own Washington Monument? The story about why it's there, and why it preceded the more famous one, is fascinating. And the Battle Monument that salutes all soldiers will leave you feeling more patriotic than you expected.
4. It's not only what's up.
As you head from area to area, you'll hear about more than the places you're seeing. The decision of where to situate a site, or more simply a building, took lots of thought and foresight. And the choice of the material used on the sidewalks below you have great importance as well. You'll learn about urban planning and where inspiration can be found. It'll change the way you look at a city, beyond Baltimore.
5. People's legacies live on.
No city would be thriving or much less alive today without the financial and steadfast commitment of some benefactors. Mary Garrett was one of those people who did more than fund education and fight for women's rights -- she has paved the way for many thousands, if not more, to have a better future. I exited inspired by her steadfast commitment to help women in her community at a time when few would have. Appreciate how far we've come in just a few generations.