Baltimore is the largest city in the US state of Maryland. It is situated in the central area of the state beside the Patapsco River, an arm of Chesapeake Bay. It was founded in 1729 and Baltimore is the second largest seaport in the Mid-Atlantic United States.
It is a service oriented economy and the city's top two employers are Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins University. According to the 2012 census, the city is comprised of 621,342 people. It ranks as the 26th most populated city in USA.
The city's historical importance is amplified with the talents of writers Edgar Allan Poe and editor, jazz musician James 'Eubie' Blake, and renowned singer Billie Holiday as well as the city's role in the War of 1812 and Francis Scott Key's writing of 'The Star Spangled Banner' the American national anthem.
The city is home to the prestigious University of Maryland at Baltimore. The city's nearest airport is Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, which is 16 kilometres to the south.
The city is known as Charm city. However President John Quincy Adams referred to it as Monumental City, and sometimes is also known as Mobtown.
The city represents ethnic diversity having a sizeable population of people of African origin. Little Italy is where Baltimore's Italian community is based. The traditional hub of art and culture of the city is Mount Vernon.
Major tourist attractions are the Washington Monument, Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower, B&O Railroad Museum, the USS Constellation, Geppi's Entertainment Museum, Port Discovery, Pier Six Pavilion, Edgar Alan Poe House & Museum, Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum, Phoenix Shot Tower, Basilica of the National Shrine of Assumption, Mount Clare, USS Torsk, Sports Legends Museums at Camden Gardens and the Hippodrome Theatre.
Annually the Maryland Film Festival is held during May, and their films are screened at the historic Charles Theatre. The internationally renowned Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is also located here.
The city of Baltimore loves its parks. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city you can try Patterson Park, Druid Hill Park, Wyman Park Dell, Federal Hill, Carroll Park, or Clifton Park. Also, Fort McHenry which was previously a historic fort, is now converted to a National Monument & Historic Shrine.