Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland and the
second-largest seaport in the Mid-Atlantic in the US. Its port (called the
Inner Harbor) was once the second most popular Port of Entry for immigrants
into the country over last few centuries. Founded in 1729, this coastal
city was the site of a crucial battle called the Battle of Baltimore in
1814 against the Colonial British Forces. A heavily outnumbered American
force was tasked to contain over 24 hours of relentless bombing on a fort
by the adversaries, and this impossible task was valiantly done. This
martial victory is a crucial moment in the formation of the US as a country
and had inspired Francis Scott Key to compose his ‘The Star-Spangled
Banner‘ poem that later became a part of the US national anthem.
Things to do in Baltimore
Fort McHenry
All mentions of Baltimore begin with the battle of Baltimore in 1814
wherein American defenders had been resilient to draw tables upon an
all-out assault by that time’s superpower- the British Navy. The site of
this battle was Fort McHenry, a late-18th century coastal
bastion fort. The most iconic moment of this battle was that a US flag flew
through 25 hours of relentless bombing, thus proving US victory.
Walters Art Museum
For those interested in admiring some of the world’s best artworks
collected from all parts of the world, the Walters Art Museum is an obvious
choice. It features a top-of-the-line collection of artworks, the oldest of
them is about 5000 years old. The Walters Art Museum was founded in 1934
and features Ancient Egyptian artworks, Greek sculptures, and illuminated
manuscripts besides many Greek, Roman and Byzantine Medieval artworks.
Maryland Zoo
Opened in the last quarter of 19th century, the Maryland Zoo in
Baltimore is one of the best and one of the three oldest zoological parks
in the US. It features over 2000 animals that live in different exhibits
that closely mimic their respective natural habitats.
Best Time to Visit Baltimore
Summer season, the months from June to August are the best to book your
flights from Oakland to Baltimore. Book your flights from OAK to BWI during
summers to enjoy famous cultural events like Artscape (in July) and the
Maryland State Fair (in August or September). It is advised to book
Baltimore flights in advance to avoid paying more during peak season.