The Little-Known History of Baltimore

Summary

The transcript offers a captivating exploration of Baltimore's historic Fell’s Point neighborhood, highlighting its transformation from a bustling port to a revitalized cultural hub. Key figures such as Ann Fell, Alex Brown, Frederick Douglass, and Isaac Meyers shaped the area's legacy in real estate, banking, and abolition. The narrative also touches on the neighborhood's pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and its historical architecture. The preservation battle in the 1970s against a proposed highway underscores the community's resilience in maintaining its historic charm, ultimately leading to the vibrant, thriving district seen today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fell's Point was developed in the 18th century by Ann Fell, who marketed the area as a thriving hub for wharfs and warehouses.
• 😀 The area played a key role in the American tea trade, with the first ships trading with China docking in Baltimore, bringing Chinese sailors to the U.S.
• 😀 One of the oldest taverns in the U.S., the Horse You Came In On, dates back to the late 1700s and remains a vibrant part of the neighborhood.
• 😀 Tide Point, once a soap factory owned by Procter & Gamble, was repurposed into office spaces and is now home to Under Armour.
• 😀 The London Coffee Shop, a historic site from the 1700s, was where revolutionaries planned resistance against British rule in the U.S.
• 😀 Frederick Douglass, a key figure in the abolition movement, learned to read and write in Baltimore before escaping enslavement and becoming a leading abolitionist.
• 😀 Isaac Meyers, an influential figure in the maritime industry, owned the largest black-owned shipbuilding company in the U.S. during the Civil War era.
• 😀 Baltimore fought back against plans to build highways through Fell's Point in the 1970s, which would have destroyed much of the historic district.
• 😀 The preservation efforts in the 1970s saved Fell's Point by securing its place on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 😀 The area’s historic architecture, including old brick buildings, reflects both preservation and restoration, adding to its cultural value and charm.

Q & A

Who was responsible for the development of Fell's Point in Baltimore?

Ann Fell, after her husband's death, took over the real estate development and successfully marketed Fell's Point as a prime area for growth.

What role did the soap-making factory play in the revitalization of the area?

The soap-making factory, originally owned by Procter & Gamble, was repurposed into office space, including housing Under Armour's headquarters, contributing to the area's economic revitalization.

How did the early merchants in Fell's Point contribute to the economy?

Merchants, including Alex Brown, contributed to the economy by financing voyages and trade, with Brown being recognized as America's first investment banker.

Why is the London Coffee Shop historically significant?

The London Coffee Shop is the oldest coffee shop from the 1700s still in existence in the United States. It was a gathering place for revolutionaries plotting against British rule.

What was the importance of Baltimore's role in the early tea trade with China?

Baltimore was one of the first U.S. cities to trade directly with China after the Revolutionary War, marking a significant milestone in the nation's global trade, with the first Chinese sailors stepping foot in the U.S. in Baltimore.

What major event almost led to the destruction of Fell's Point in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, plans to build a highway (Interstate 95 and 70) through Fell's Point threatened to demolish much of the historic area, but local activists successfully fought to preserve it.

Who were Frederick Douglass and Isaac Meyers, and how did they impact Fell's Point?

Frederick Douglass, born enslaved on Maryland's Eastern Shore, became a leading abolitionist. Isaac Meyers was a black shipbuilding entrepreneur and union organizer. Both were instrumental in advocating for black empowerment in Baltimore.

How did the local community fight against the construction of the highway in Fell's Point?

Local activists, including Bob Eney, fought against the highway construction by having Fell's Point listed on the National Register of Historic Places, thus preventing the destruction of the neighborhood.

What is the historical significance of the Horse You Came In On tavern?

The Horse You Came In On is believed to be the oldest tavern in the United States, dating back to the late 1700s, and has remained a lively spot through the centuries.

What architectural details are significant in the buildings of Fell's Point?

The buildings in Fell's Point feature intricate brickwork, with old brick facades preserved alongside newer brick, showcasing the area's rich history and architectural craftsmanship.