Baltimore
The harbor where the Star-Spangled Banner was written.
- Population
- 585,708 (2020 census)
- Founded
- August 8, 1729
- Port
- No. 1 in the U.S. for cars
- Tides
- Two highs, two lows, uneven
Then
- 1706
The Port of Baltimore is created for the tobacco trade at Whetstone Point.
- 1729
The Town of Baltimore is founded on August 8.
- 1814
The British bombard Fort McHenry, and Francis Scott Key writes the poem that becomes “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
- 1904
The Great Baltimore Fire, on February 7, burns more than 1,500 buildings across 70 blocks.
- 1980–1981
Harborplace and the National Aquarium open, turning the derelict Inner Harbor into the city's front porch.
- 2024
On March 26, a container ship strikes the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapses into the Patapsco. Six workers die.
Now
The Port of Baltimore leads the country in cars, light trucks and farm and construction machinery. Fort McHenry still guards the harbor entrance.
On the water
From NOAA's predictions for Baltimore, Fort McHenry, MD over the next 365 days. Heights are in feet above mean lower low water (MLLW).
- Pattern
- Two highs and two lows a day, one noticeably bigger than the other
- Typical daily range
- 1.4 ft
- Biggest swing
- 2.0 ft on Nov 25
- Smallest swing
- 0.5 ft on Oct 17
- Highest high
- 2.2 ft, Jul 4 at 7:23 AM
- Lowest low
- −0.7 ft, Jan 22 at 12:02 PM
3 tide stations around Baltimore
- Baltimore, Fort McHenry2.4 mi
- Fort McHenry Marsh2.5 mi
- Hawkins Point7.1 mi