Everything Baltimore County is known for
Songs written about the waterways and highways that run near Baltimore County.
Faidley's has been inside Baltimore's Lexington Market since 1886. The jumbo lump crab cake — almost no filler, just massive chunks of blue crab — is considered the gold standard in a city obsessed with crab cakes. Nancy Faidley Devine still oversees operations. In a market that has reinvented itself around her, Faidley's hasn't changed the recipe.
Attman's has been the anchor of Baltimore's Corned Beef Row on Lombard Street since 1915. In its heyday, the block had a dozen Jewish delis. Attman's is the last one standing. The corned beef is hand-cut and piled so high the sandwich barely holds together. The knishes and kishka are recipes from the old country. It's a living museum of Jewish-American food culture.
You are crossing the most famous border in American history, and it was drawn to settle an argument between two rich families. In the 1600s, the Calvert family held the charter for Maryland and the Penn family held Pennsylvania. The problem was that Maryland's 1632 charter granted territory up to the 40th parallel, but Pennsylvania's 1681 charter described its southern border using the same language differently. If Maryland's claim held, Philadelphia would have fallen inside Maryland. After eighty years of legal warfare and armed skirmishes between settlers, both families hired Charles Mason, an English astronomer, and Jeremiah Dixon, a surveyor, to settle it. Between 1763 and 1767, Mason and Dixon surveyed 244 miles at latitude 39 degrees 43 minutes north, defined as exactly fifteen miles south of the southernmost point in Philadelphia. They placed limestone crownstones shipped from England every five miles and smaller markers every mile. They stopped when their Iroquois guides refused to continue into Lenape territory. The line became famous for something Mason and Dixon never intended. After Pennsylvania abolished slavery in 1781, this east-west survey line became the de facto boundary between free states and slave states. During the Missouri Compromise debates of 1820, the Mason-Dixon Line entered the national vocabulary as the dividing line between North and South. It still is.
British bombardment of Fort McHenry in September 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.
Statue honoring jazz legend Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan in Philadelphia but raised in Baltimore.
Opened in 1889, Johns Hopkins Hospital pioneered modern medical education and clinical practice in America.
Poe is buried at Westminster Hall in Baltimore, where he died under mysterious circumstances in October 1849.
Birthplace of American railroading, where the B&O Railroad began operations in 1830 from the Mount Clare Station.
A devastating fire in February 1904 burned for over thirty hours, destroying 1,500 buildings across 140 acres of downtown Baltimore.
Baltimore's Lexington Market treasure since 1886. The jumbo lump crab cake is the standard all others are measured against. No filler.
Baltimore's last great Jewish deli on Corned Beef Row since 1915. The corned beef is hand-cut and piled impossibly high.
88 stories, landmarks & places within ~20 miles — the same local lore RoadyGoat plays as you drive through.
Stop for a bite at this historic tavern and restaurant, which has been serving travelers for generations. This isn't just a place to eat; it's a living piece of Maryland's past. Back around 1832, this very building,…
Get ready to be transported back in time! Just ahead lies The Cloisters, a castle-like home completed in 1932, a truly unique architectural gem inspired by medieval cloisters. This wasn't just any house. It was the…
Ever wondered what life was like for the ultra-wealthy in 18th-century America? Get ready to step into a world of grandeur and stark contrasts, right here at Hampton National Historic Site. This incredible estate,…
Ever wondered about the stories whispered behind the grand gates of historic institutions? Right here, you're approaching one of the oldest and most renowned psychiatric hospitals in the United States: Sheppard Pratt.…
Escape the city buzz and dive into nature's embrace at Lake Roland, a 500-acre oasis teeming with rare plants and diverse ecosystems. This isn't just a park; it's a living testament to Baltimore's history and foresight.…
Look at that marquee! This stunning Art Deco movie palace has been showing films since 1939 and has even been featured in several movies. It's not just a theater; it's a piece of Baltimore's cinematic soul. This grand…
Ever wonder where Maryland’s National Guard got its start? You’re driving right by one of its earliest homes! The Pikesville Armory, built in 1903, is the second-oldest armory in the entire state. As the National Guard…
Ever wonder what powered Baltimore's rise as an industrial giant? Look around! You're in the shadow of what was once the Poole and Hunt Company, an ironworks that forged the city's future. Starting in 1853, Robert Poole…
This spot whispers tales of Baltimore's battles against deadly disease. Sydenham Hospital, later known as Montebello State Hospital, was built in the early 1920s to treat patients suffering from communicable diseases.…
Ever wonder what Baltimore looked like before skyscrapers? You're about to drive into a living piece of that past! Druid Hill Park isn't just a green space; it's one of America's oldest landscaped public parks, right up…
Ever wondered what life was like for mill workers in the 1800s? You're driving right into one of Baltimore's best-preserved examples: the Stone Hill Historic District. Discover one of the original mill villages along…
Ever wonder how Baltimore stayed cool before air conditioning? You're driving right past a monument to that era! This is the American Ice Company's Baltimore Plant No. 2, a crucial piece of the city's past. Built in…
Step back in time in this preserved historic community nestled near Baltimore's western edge. You're approaching Dickeyville, a village that’s seen a lot more than just traffic. This tranquil spot was once a bustling…
Ever wonder where Baltimore's elite chose to spend eternity? Green Mount Cemetery is your answer. It's not just a burial ground, it's a testament to Baltimore's history and artistry. Established in 1838, Green Mount…
Ever wondered what it's like to step inside a piece of living history? Modeled after a famous concert hall in Amsterdam, the Lyric Baltimore has been a premier music venue for over a century, enchanting audiences with…
Look at this incredible building! You're about to pass a stunning former train station, now part of an art college, showcasing impressive architecture. It's a true hidden gem. This grand structure, the Mount Royal…
Look at this place! This isn't just a building; it's a fortress, and it’s been a cornerstone of Maryland’s defense for over a century. Since 1901, this formidable armory has housed the Maryland National Guard. Built in…
Pulling up to the Belvedere? You're near a Baltimore icon that's seen it all! For over a century, this hotel has been a symbol of elegance and a haven for the city's elite. Designed by Parker and Thomas, the Belvedere…
Once a haven for vulnerable children, this building reflects a poignant chapter in Baltimore's social history. Keep an eye out for its imposing presence, just ahead. This grand structure, built in 1875, replaced the…
Statue honoring jazz legend Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan in Philadelphia but raised in Baltimore.
Ever wonder how Baltimore stayed cool before refrigerators? You're looking at a major piece of that puzzle right now! This massive brick building, the American Ice Company, was once a powerhouse of refrigeration,…
Pull over, because you're about to see the very first Catholic cathedral built in the United States! This isn't just any old church; it's a foundational piece of American religious freedom. Imagine the early days of the…
Ever wonder where the mighty Standard Oil, the company that basically invented the gas station, made its mark on Baltimore's skyline? Look up and see it! This impressive limestone skyscraper, known as the Standard Oil…
Pull over, because this unassuming building is where Baltimore women found their power and independence for over a century! Originally built as a townhouse in 1815, it became a boarding house in 1860, run by Mrs. Mary…
Opened in 1889, Johns Hopkins Hospital pioneered modern medical education and clinical practice in America.
Pulling up to Johns Hopkins Hospital, you're near a place that revolutionized how we understand and practice medicine. It's more than just a hospital; it's the birthplace of modern American medicine. Founded in 1889,…
Edgar Allan Poe was found semiconscious on the streets of Baltimore on October 3, 1849, wearing clothes that weren't his own. He was taken to a hospital and died four days later at age forty. Nobody knows what killed…
Faidley's has been inside Baltimore's Lexington Market since 1886. The jumbo lump crab cake — almost no filler, just massive chunks of blue crab — is considered the gold standard in a city obsessed with crab cakes.…
Ever wondered how Baltimore cared for its sick and struggling citizens centuries ago? You're approaching the spot where it all began for public health in Maryland. The Baltimore General Dispensary, established in 1801,…
Poe is buried at Westminster Hall in Baltimore, where he died under mysterious circumstances in October 1849.
Attman's has been the anchor of Baltimore's Corned Beef Row on Lombard Street since 1915. In its heyday, the block had a dozen Jewish delis. Attman's is the last one standing. The corned beef is hand-cut and piled so…
You're approaching a monument that stands as a testament to Baltimore's resilience and a key moment in American history: the Battle Monument. This monument commemorates the Battle of Baltimore in 1814, part of the War…
Step back in time and visit the final resting place of one of America's most enigmatic authors: Edgar Allan Poe. Poe died in Baltimore in 1849 under mysterious circumstances. Found delirious and wearing clothes that…
Baltimore's last great Jewish deli on Corned Beef Row since 1915. The corned beef is hand-cut and piled impossibly high.
Look up! This towering 13-story building was once the nerve center of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, one of America's oldest and most vital railway systems. Designed by Parker & Thomas, construction began in 1904,…
Known for its elegant architecture and rumored hauntings, this hotel has been a Baltimore landmark since 1928. Keep your eyes peeled for a grand dame of a building. It's the Lord Baltimore Hotel. When it opened in 1928,…
Ever wonder what stories these grand old buildings could tell? The Hippodrome Theatre isn't just a pretty face; it's a testament to Baltimore's enduring love affair with live performance. This very spot has been a…
Baltimore owes its name to the Lords Baltimore, the family name of the Calverts, who were granted the Maryland colony by the English crown. Specifically, it honors Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, who…
Imagine molten lead raining down from this 234-foot tower, creating perfectly round musket balls in the early 1800s. The Phoenix Shot Tower, completed in 1828, was once the tallest structure in the entire United States.…
A devastating fire in February 1904 burned for over thirty hours, destroying 1,500 buildings across 140 acres of downtown Baltimore.
Got a headache? This tower was built for that! The Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower, once the tallest building in Baltimore, was commissioned by Isaac Emerson, the inventor of Bromo-Seltzer, a popular headache remedy. Built…
This unassuming building is the third oldest synagogue in the entire United States, a testament to Baltimore's vibrant Jewish history. Back in 1845, a group of German Jewish immigrants, hungry for a spiritual home,…
Ever wonder where Baltimore's most influential figures ended up? Welcome to Old Saint Paul's Cemetery, where you can literally walk among the city's founders and shapers. This isn't just a burial ground; it's a who's…
Ever wondered where American medical education truly began? You're about to pass the oldest continuously used medical education building in the United States. This historic domed structure, known as Davidge Hall, has…
The narrow rowhouse at 216 Emory Street in Baltimore is where George Herman Ruth Jr. was born on February 6, 1895 — just a few blocks from where Camden Yards stands today. The 'Sultan of Swat' wasn't a high-school star,…
Birthplace of American railroading, where the B&O Railroad began operations in 1830 from the Mount Clare Station.
All aboard for a trip back in time! You're near the Mount Clare Shops, the birthplace of American railroading. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, or B&O, established these shops in 1829. It quickly became the heart of the…
In the summer of 1813, Mary Pickersgill received a government contract to sew a flag so large that the British would have no trouble seeing it from a distance. Major George Armistead wanted the enemy to know exactly…
Right here is where a flag was sewn that would inspire a nation! In 1813, Mary Pickersgill, a local flagmaker, was commissioned to create a giant garrison flag for Fort McHenry. It was so big, she had to spread the…
Pull over near the Baltimore American Indian Center – it's a place where Native American culture thrives in the heart of the city. Back in 1968, a group of people established the American Indian Study Center, later…
Right there, docked in the Inner Harbor, is a tangible link to the age of sail: the USS Constellation. Commissioned in 1855, the Constellation served in the US Navy, notably with the Africa Squadron. Her mission?…
This unassuming Coast Guard cutter is a direct link to one of the most pivotal moments in American history: Pearl Harbor. The USCGC Taney was right there, witnessing the surprise attack on 1941 that plunged the United…
Before Camden Yards opened on April 6, 1992, baseball stadiums were concrete donuts. Veterans Stadium, Three Rivers, Riverfront. They were interchangeable and soulless. Architect Janet Marie Smith and the HOK Sport firm…
Ever wondered about the last shot fired in World War II? You're about to meet the vessel that delivered it. This is the USS Torsk, a submarine that prowled the Pacific and holds a unique record in naval history.…
Once powering Baltimore's streetcars, the Pratt Street Power Plant now stands as a monument to the city's industrial innovation. Back in 1900, the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company built this massive plant to generate…
Look closely at these simple rowhouses; they represent a powerful legacy of self-determination and community. Built in 1892, these are typical 'alley houses' of their time in Baltimore. They're two narrow bays wide, two…
Look around you, and pay your respects to the thousands who served our nation, now resting here. Loudon Park National Cemetery is a solemn tribute to American veterans. This tranquil ground holds a remarkable history,…
Step back in time at Baltimore's oldest Colonial-era structure, a Georgian mansion with a rich history. This isn't just an old house; it's a window into the past. Built in 1763, Mount Clare was the grand plantation home…
Picture this: a bustling port, the scent of salt and spices in the air, and the clang of hammers building ships that sailed the world. That’s Fells Point. Established around 1763, Fells Point quickly became a…
Fells Point was once the shipbuilding capital of the Chesapeake. Founded in 1726 by William Fell, a Quaker shipbuilder from Lancashire, England, this neighborhood produced the fast, sharp-hulled schooners known as…
Look out your window! You're about to discover a place where Baltimore's history literally overlooks its future. Federal Hill isn't just a pretty view; it's a strategic high ground that has shaped this city. During the…
You're looking at a true pioneer of American engineering: the Carrollton Viaduct, the first stone railroad bridge built in the United States. It's still standing, and still in use! The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, one…
Ever wondered what happens when a New York socialite with a passion for fox hunting decides to build his dream estate in rural Maryland? Get ready to explore the whimsical world of Ladew Topiary Gardens, a unique blend…
Ever wonder what a century-old workhorse of the Baltimore harbor looked like? You're about to see it. Once the oldest operating steam tugboat in the US, the Baltimore offers a glimpse into this city's bustling maritime…
This quiet ground holds the stories of thousands who served our nation. Baltimore National Cemetery, established in 1863, is the final resting place for veterans from nearly every American conflict, from the Civil War…
Quench your thirst for history at the former National Brewing Company, a Baltimore institution that once dominated the beer market after World War II. Founded in Baltimore in 1885, this brewery in Highlandtown became…
Look to your left, and behold a phoenix rising from Baltimore's industrial ashes! Once a colossal grain elevator, this building has been reborn as luxury condos, a symbol of Baltimore's past and present. Completed in…
Ever wonder where the magic of Coca-Cola really came from? Right here in Baltimore, this factory was the secret heart of Coke's syrup production for decades. From 1921 through 1948, this sprawling 9.4-acre complex was…
British bombardment of Fort McHenry in September 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.
Pull over and visit a small stone church built by free African Americans in 1859, a powerful testament to their resilience and faith. This isn't just any church; it's a living piece of history, an African Methodist…
One of only two operational Liberty ships, the SS John W. Brown played a vital role in supplying the Allied forces during World War II. Launched in 1942, she made 13 voyages across the Atlantic and Mediterranean,…
Check it out, that's the NS Savannah! She's not just any ship, she's a floating piece of Cold War history, and a symbol of atomic ambition. Conceived under President Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" program, the Savannah…
Imagine a bustling village, powered by the Little Gunpowder Falls, where life revolved around the rhythm of the mill. That's Jerusalem Mill Village. Construction of the grist mill began around 1772. Over the next…
Step back in time in Oella, a 19th-century mill town on the Patapsco River, showcasing the lives of millworkers. Look around, and you’re driving through history itself. This isn't just a collection of old buildings;…
Ever wonder where America's railway obsession began? You're near the answer! This is the B&O Ellicott City Station, the oldest surviving passenger train station in the U.S. It's a landmark that whispers tales of…
Pull over here for a minute – this spot is more than just a cute mill town; it's a place that's survived floods, fires, and time itself. The Ellicott City Historic District, dating back to 1772, grew up around the…
During WWII, this massive factory churned out aircraft, playing a crucial role in the Allied war effort. You're approaching the Glenn L. Martin Company Plant No. 2, a colossal airplane factory built right here in Middle…
Look out your window! See that beautiful sailboat? That's a skipjack, a living piece of Chesapeake Bay history, and the Nellie L. Byrd is a true survivor. Built in 1911 in Oriole, Maryland, the Nellie L. Byrd is a…
Ever wonder what early railroad engineering looked like? You're near the remains of the Patterson Viaduct, an early bridge built for the B&O Railroad. Constructed in 1829, this viaduct carried the B&O's Old Main Line…
Once a plantation dating back to the 1730s, Belmont Estate offers a glimpse into colonial Maryland life. Get ready to step back in time! This magnificent estate, originally known as "Moore's Morning Choice," was founded…
Ever wonder where medical pioneers recharged? Pull over to Liriodendron, the stunning summer retreat of Dr. Howard Kelly, a founding father of Johns Hopkins! This isn't just any old house; it's a window into the life of…
Ever wondered what life was like for early American settlers? Ivory Mills isn't just a picturesque spot; it's a remarkably preserved window into 19th-century industry and rural living. Around 1818, a three-story stone…
Ever wonder what a forgotten fortress looks like? Gaze out at the Patapsco River, and you'll spot Fort Carroll, an abandoned hexagonal sea fort sitting on its own artificial island. Named for Charles Carroll of…
Ever wondered what Maryland looked like before Columbia? This next stop, Woodlawn, is a time capsule, blending two centuries of history right before your eyes. It offers a rare glimpse into the complex past of our…
Ever wonder where the Coast Guard keeps its fleet in fighting shape? You're driving right past their sole shipyard, a place that's been building and repairing vessels for over a century! This isn't just any old dock.…
Pull over for a moment, because you're about to pass one of Maryland's deepest roots: Doughoregan Manor, the ancestral seat of the powerful Carroll family, and home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence.…
Pull over for a moment, because you're about to pass a place with a complicated history: Troy Hill Farm, a historic slave plantation tied to one of Maryland's most prominent families. This isn't just an old house; it's…
You are crossing the most famous border in American history, and it was drawn to settle an argument between two rich families. In the 1600s, the Calvert family held the charter for Maryland and the Penn family held…