Exploring Baltimore: History, Culture, and Accessibility

Introduction

Baltimore: A City of Monuments, Museums, and Maritime Charm

If any city gives meaning to the word “eclectic,” it’s Baltimore, Maryland. Are you interested in American history? Do you enjoy visiting museums? Does a wonderful waterfront setting have appeal? Baltimore has you covered.

Main Item

Over the years, it has been known by a variety of nicknames, all of which are applicable. They include the Monumental City, referring to the fact that Baltimore is home to more monuments and public statues per capita than any other municipality in the nation. Clipper Town, for Revolutionary and War of 1812 ships which are anchored in its harbor. Crab town because more than one-third of the country’s blue crabs come from the nearby Chesapeake Bay, and Marylanders have perfected the art of preparing, and eating, those ungainly-looking but tasty crustaceans.

During my recent visit to Baltimore, I delighted in much that the city has to offer. I was steeped in the history which is around every corner. Surprised by the wide choice of places to see and things to do. Intrigued at the contradictory images of “Bawlmer,” as many locals call it, as a working-class town closely aligned with its nautical past, a setting replete with outstanding museums and the backdrop for some 200 neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality and experiences.

Adding to the appeal is the fact that Baltimore has been ranked among the most walkable cities in the country. As for rollability, the condition of sidewalks varies between neighborhoods. The smoothest and most well cared for sidewalks are located in the central business district, surrounding the Inner Harbor and around major tourist areas and attractions. In less touristed parts of the city, sidewalks may have cracks, potholes or other impediments that may make a smooth roll difficult to achieve. Curb cuts are present at nearly all intersections.

The majority of attractions, museums and sights are fully accessible. Others are at least partially wheelchair accessible.

Baltimore’s public transportation system, including light rail, the subway and buses, is fully accessible to the disabled and wheelchair users. In addition, wheelchair taxis can accommodate both manual and powered wheelchairs. The accessible taxi vans have a lowered floor, offer roll in/roll out ability and are outfitted with wheelchair securement straps and tie-downs.

In many ways, the Inner Harbor is the heart of Baltimore and it ranks as Maryland’s number one tourist destination. Ship building yards and steel mills that once occupied the space have been replaced by world-class art and other collections, hotels, restaurants and, at times, throngs of tourists.

Continued below image.

Continued…

It’s apt that the National Aquarium in Baltimore, which is widely considered to be best in the country, is perched at the edge of the harbor. That seven-story structure displays some 20,000 creatures, a rainforest environment, multistory shark tank and re-created Pacific reef.

Adjacent to the building I checked out an often-overlooked little gem, a reproduced mini-salt marsh which replicates the habitat that existed there hundreds of years ago. Signs explain that the miniature wetland is inhabited by grass shrimp, mud crabs and small fish.

A collection of historic ships which shares the harbor invites visitors to come aboard. The USS Constellation, known as a sloop-of-war, is the last sail-only warship built by the U.S. Navy, in 1854. Lightship 116 began service in 1930, patrolling and guiding maritime traffic at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. U.S Coast Guard Cutter 37 was built in the mid-1930’s and designed for law enforcement missions, search and rescue, and maritime patrol.

Continued below image.

Continued…

Rounding out the assortment is the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. Built in 1856, it’s one of the oldest Chesapeake Bay lighthouses still in existence. It contains an extensive exhibit of artifacts from and information about lighthouses around the region.

Continued below image.

Continued…

The displays in Baltimore’s museums extend well beyond seafaring themes. The Star Spangled Banner Flag House recalls the story of the stitching of the banner by Mary Pickersgill which flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The Civil War Museum, located in a former train terminal that opened in 1850, explores that station’s role in the War Between the States, including the story of a secret escape by President Lincoln to thwart an assassination attempt.

The Immigration Museum displays artifacts, letters and others material related to people who came to the United States from around the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The American Indian Center celebrates those who were here long before then.

Baltimore’s neighborhoods vie with its museums in both diversity and interest. Strolling through several of these enclaves introduced me to below the-radar facets of the city’s past.

I walked along streets made of cobblestones which served as ballast on ships from Europe that arrived in the 1800s. I passed the marble steps in front of narrow row houses that became status symbols for Baltimoreans in the early 1900s. I evoked the time when the Fell’s Point neighborhood, today a gentrified mix of 18th-century homes and trendy restaurants and bars, was the center of the city’s shipbuilding industry.

Checking out Druid Hill Park, I thought back to when the Susquehannock Native Americans ceded that land to Lord Baltimore, in 1652. Today it contains the Maryland Zoo and the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, which opened in 1888.

I ended my exploration at the Lexington Market which, I soon learned, is much more than a place to buy fruit and vegetables. That iconic Crab Town landmark claims to be the oldest and largest continuingly operating public market in the nation. The establishment traces its birth back to 1782, when an informal meeting place for the exchange of goods was established. Over time, it evolved into a community gathering space and buzzy bazaar whose merchants, and customers, reflect Baltimore’s diversity.

The mélange of eateries, shops and miscellaneous offerings leaves little to the imagination. I spotted a bakery adjacent to a shoe repair stand. At Buffalo Bill’s Fresh Quality Meats, I saw parts of animals on display that I could not identify. The Sausage Master stand offers hot dogs prepared in more ways than I could have imagined.

Adding to the colorful conglomeration are unexpected tidbits like a small kiosk operating under the name Waist Beads and Spiritual Needs, and a sign at a fresh seafood raw bar which reads: “Forget Viagra, eat oysters.”

The something-for-everyone offerings at the Lexington Market is repeated time and again throughout Baltimore. I left the city recalling a sign I once saw at a flea market, which read: “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Baltimore offers attractions enough to meet most people’s expectations.

Editorial Note: From historic ships to the Lexington Market, Baltimore seamlessly blends past and present, offering something for history buffs, food lovers, and those seeking an inclusive travel experience. For those who visit, it’s a chance to see America’s story up close, from the Star-Spangled Banner to the immigrant waves that shaped it, all while navigating a landscape that’s made real efforts to open its doors wider. Baltimore doesn’t just invite you in; it dares you to dig deeper and find your own piece of its soul. Baltimore stands out not only for its deep historical roots and cultural offerings but also for its efforts toward accessibility. While some areas could improve, the city’s commitment to inclusion makes it a worthy destination for all travelers – Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, and has written for major newspapers, magazines and travel websites and served as an editor of Fodor’s Travel Guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular contributor of reviews to the Disabled World travel section. Visit Victors’s biography for further insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

Citing and References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page: Victor Block. (2025, March 5). Exploring Baltimore: History, Culture, and Accessibility. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved March 6, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/travel/usa/baltimore.php

Permalink: <a href=”https://www.disabled-world.com/travel/usa/baltimore.php”>Exploring Baltimore: History, Culture, and Accessibility</a>: A look at Baltimore’s rich history, museums, and accessibility, making it a vibrant and inclusive destination for travelers, including those with disabilities.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it’s important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.