Journey back to the pivotal days of the War of 1812, also called “America’s Second War of Independence.” Visit charming Southern Maryland towns, the thriving and scenic Baltimore Harbor, and sites surrounding the nation’s capital that were critical in defending America’s fledgling independence. As fighting continued throughout the summer of 1814, Maryland’s brave defenders not only stood strong against British invaders up and down the Chesapeake Bay, but also inspired the poem that would become[...]
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Day 1: Baltimore is home to the Star-Spangled Banner and the birthplace of American Railroading. Arrive late morning and begin with a visit to Fort McHenry National Historic Monument & Shrine. Here students will meet with their guide and learn the story behind the writing of our National anthem by Francis Scott Key. Then travel to the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House to see where the 30’ x 42’ flag was sewn. Dinner can be enjoyed[...]
Day 1: Enjoy a narrated guided tour of Baltimore, as a Watermark step-on guide shares stories and anecdotes about Baltimore’s best-known personalities, including Babe Ruth, Edgar Allan Poe and Wallis Warfield Simpson, just to name a few. See neighborhoods such as Mt Vernon and Little Italy, where you will see highlights such as the Flag House, Babe Ruth’s Birthplace and City Hall. See renowned points of interest including the old maritime community of Fells Point[...]
In Maryland’s many museums, you’ll find enlightening exhibits for all ages and interests, from fine art and science to history and maritime culture. Family Fun at Inner Harbor Museums At the family favorite National Aquarium in Baltimore, get up close and personal with sharks and 17,000 other fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals in habitats that include replicas of a coral reef and tropical rain forest. Across the harbor, bring the kids (or the kids-at-heart)[...]
Western Maryland Western Maryland is a great place for outdoor adventures. You can climb Maryland's highest mountain, swim in numerous lakes, hike the Appalachian Trail, brave white-water rapids or enjoy all kinds of winter sports from skiing to ice fishing. The three counties of Western Maryland, where fall foliage arrives first and winter usually stays the longest, were Maryland's last frontier. One of the most important events in Western Maryland in the early 1800s was[...]
1608 – Captain John Smith explores the Chesapeake Bay 1631 – English trading post established on Kent Island 1632 – Maryland Charter granted to Cecilius Calvert by King Charles I 1633 – Ark and Dove sail from the Isle of Wight, England 1634 – Ark and Dove arrive at St. Clements Island; St. Mary's City founded 1649 – "An Act Concerning Religion" passed; Puritans founded Providence (now Annapolis) 1664 – Slavery allowed by law in[...]