Baltimore Sports and Concert Events

Baltimore

Baltimore is a city located in the U.S. State of Maryland. As of July 1, 2002, the population is 638,614, down from 651,154 in the 2000 Census. It is the largest city in Maryland, named after the founding proprietor of the Maryland Colony, Colius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. This city is a major part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. Because there is also a Baltimore County adjacent to (but not including) the city, it is sometimes referred to as Baltimore City when a clear distinction is desired. Baltimore was founded on July 30, 1729 and is named after Colius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore who was the first Proprietary Governor of the Province of Maryland. Baltimore grew swiftly in the mid-late 18th century as the granary for sugar producing colonies in the Caribbean. The value of sugar encouraged the maximum possible cultivation of cane and the importation of food. The relatively shorter distance between Baltimore and the Caribbean colonies allowed swift transport and minimized the spoilage of flour. Baltimore's harbor is the location of Fort McHenry, which came under attack by British forces in the War of 1812 and whose defense inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," which furnishes the lyrics to the United States national anthem. Baltimore became an independent city in 1851, being detached from Baltimore County at that time. Pro-Southern sentiment led to the Baltimore riot of 1861 when Union soldiers marched through the city. After the riot, Union troops occupied Baltimore and Maryland came under direct federal administration; in part, to prevent the state from seceeding; until the end of the war in April 1865. Baltimore is the location of the Baltimore World Trade Center, the world's tallest equilateral five-sided building. Baltimore is also the location of Pimlico Race Course, the home of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The Preakness has been run since 1873. Baltimore houses a number of universities, both private and public such as: Johns Hopkins University, College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Loyola College in Maryland, Baltimore Hebrew University, Morgan State University, University of Baltimore, Baltimore City Community College. Among the museums and other attractions in the state are: Walters Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, B&O Railroad Musueum, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Fort McHenry National Monument, Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame Museum, National Museum of Dentistry, Star Spangled Banner Flag House and 1812 Museum, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption, Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, and USS Constellation. Baltimore is also home to the following sports teams: Baltimore Orioles (Major League Baseball), Baltimore Ravens (National Football League), Baltimore Bayhawks (Major League Lacrosse), Baltimore Blast - (Major Indoor Soccer League), 2005-2006 ABA Expansion Team.