Orpheus at Fort McHenry

B’more, Charm City, America’s Comeback City, The City of Firsts, Monument City… I prefer the latter name because it must be the oldest and from our experience so far, represents history’s legacy and the architectural beauty of the city.

John Quincy Adams first coined Baltimore the “monument city” when he visited in 1827 and saw the Battle Monument dedicated to those who died during the War of 1812 and of course the 178-foot-tall first monument to George Washington that dates to 1815 (which by the way is close to where we are staying in Mount Vernon).

We have been here a little over a month. As I write this we are experiencing a heat wave of epic proportions, or at least it feels that way after several days of triple digit temperatures. There is much to see and do here and we have barely made a dent in exploring this city.

Ocean City, July 2011

We were able to take a three-day side trip to Ocean City, Maryland, for much-needed beach time. Oh boy, it is like time stood still there — salt water taffy, games and rides on the boardwalk, a fast food bonanza. The beach is timeless and gorgeous.

Farmers Market at Holiday & Saratoga

Famous Lexington Market since 1782

We have enjoyed several farmers markets, the Inner Harbor, ArtScape, the Lexington Market, Baltimore Museum of Art, Druid Hill Park, Patterson Park, Fell’s Point, and nearby Great Falls Park for a hike.  The Charm City Circulator — I call it the Charmer and Betsy calls it the C — is a great and free way to get around town.

Baltimore has a jazz legacy, being the birthplace of Billy Holiday, Eubie Blake, Cab Calloway, and Chick Webb; we have yet to experience all that is offered here.

It is an area rich in history and flavor. We are looking forward to  some good music and cruising the harbor in the water taxis!

Being in Baltimore has led to a refresh of our U.S. history lessons of key events such as the War of 1812, the Battle of Baltimore, the burning of D.C., the key role of Fort McHenry, the Tecumseh brothers, and the significant location of Baltimore between North and South during the Civil War.

Pagoda in Patterson Park

It’s a timely place to be. Exactly 150 years ago this month not far from here,  the First Battle of Bull Run gave the Confederate forces a taste of victory and the North reason to realize it would be a long and bloody war.

The pagoda at left is in Patterson Park which provided the high ground and key defensive position for U.S. forces against British ground forces in the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.

This is our second extended stay in the South. Last year we spent a couple of months in Morganton, North Carolina; we appreciate our time in places where contemporary and diverse American culture is steeped in history.

Baltimore is not without its current struggles, echoing those of other U.S. cities — unemployment, crime and housing blight — but it appears to be fighting to overcome, and we have encountered nothing but friendly and happy (even if overheated) people here.

More from Charm Monument City as we battle with the heat to do and see more.