MOBTOWN IN THE MAKING
A Scrappy City’ s Fight for Liberty and Libations
B altimore’ s always had a revolutionary spirit.
Self-reliant on a thriving grain trade, the colonial city was inclined toward independence from Britain even as government officials in Annapolis were still weighing the pros and cons. When war did come, Baltimore built 248 schooners— early versions of the famous Baltimore Clippers— that could overtake larger British ships. While clipper ships are no longer in use, the Pride of Baltimore II is a stunning recreation that offers free deck tours and ticketed sailing tours of the Inner Harbor.
Baltimore emerged from the Revolutionary War unscathed but was all too eager to fight in the War of 1812. Fed up with British trade restrictions and the seizure of U. S. ships, Baltimore merchants immediately lined up to arm their ships and operate as privateers— more than in any other port city. When a British attack on Baltimore became imminent, 15,000 men of every race and social class came together to dig trenches at Hampstead Hill in what is now Patterson Park.
With the British army outnumbered, the Royal Navy attempted to level Fort McHenry and enter Baltimore’ s harbor. They launched 400 bombs and rockets at the Fort over 25 hours, but it remained standing, holding the British back with cannon fire until they finally retreated. The victory flag flown over Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to pen“ The Star-Spangled Banner,” which later became America’ s national anthem. You can learn more about this iconic flag and the people who sewed it at the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Jonestown.
THIS PAINTING BY PERCY MORAN DEPICTS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY ON THE MORNING AFTER THE BOMBARDMENT OF FORT MCHENRY.
THE PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II IS A RECREATION OF THE FAMOUS BALTIMORE CLIPPERS THAT COULD OUTRUN BRITISH SHIPS.
JUSTIN TSUCALAS
BALTIMORE. ORG 33