MARYLAND - What Makes Baltimore Unique? With an ancient past that spans centuries, Baltimore has played an essential role in shaping America. Its compelling story can be seen through extraordinary sights, an engaging culture, and some of its signature cuisine.
What Makes Baltimore So Unique?
Baltimore is famed for its row houses designed in various architectural styles such as Greek Revival, Italianate, and Federal. Not only do they look beautiful to look at, but they provide insight into past residents' lives as well. Baltimore also is renowned for its seafood ranging from steamed blue crabs to crab cakes and oysters, not to mention having a fantastic jazz scene with legendary musicians such as Cab Calloway and Billie Holiday having come from here!
Chesapeake Bay City, Baltimore's economy is highly diverse. From seaport and ship-repair services to manufacturing automobiles, steel products, processed foods, paper/plastic products, and aircraft parts, services like health care and education play vital roles in its economy and banking/insuring/financing services.
Baltimore is known for its eccentric and quirky atmosphere that outsiders may not always appreciate. Yet, its residents take great pride in it and don't mind being themselves - for instance, using "hon" as a punctuation mark can often be found everywhere, including T-shirts, bumper stickers, and merchandise featuring beehive hairdos and cat-eye glasses! Also dubbed HonFest is held annually, showcasing these quirky aspects!
Baltimore is famous for its African American history and boasts numerous landmarks that reflect this rich legacy, from the first Roman Catholic cathedral in America (Baltimore Basilica, 1806-21) to the wrought-iron shot tower (1828). Baltimore's black community has made significant contributions to American literature, music, law, politics, and business: Thurgood Marshall was raised here in Druid Heights while Zora Neale Hurston studied at Morgan State University - while Ta-Nehisi Coates remains one of today's premier writers on race.
Baltimore's arts scene is integral to its cultural identity, boasting world-class museums and galleries that attract visitors and locals. The National Aquarium draws crowds locally and abroad with its staggering collection of over 17,000 fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Baltimore's Inner Harbor provides ample dining and shopping opportunities and boat tours, such as those aboard USS Constellation! Of course, there are also Orioles and Ravens teams!
