Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Baltimore’s Maritime Heritage
— U.S.S. Constellation and Lightship Chesapeake —
Baltimore’s shipbuilding heritage dates back nearly 300 years. By the 1790s, Maryland led the nation in shipbuilding and Baltimore was the undisputed industry leader on the Chesapeake Bay.
Launched in 1854, U.S.S. Constellation is the only remaining Civil War-era Sloop of war afloat today. the original Constellation and namesake of this ship was built in 1797 in Stoddard Shipyard in Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood just a few miles along the Promenade.
As the flagship of the U.S. Africa Squadron, Constellation patrolled the West African coast and intercepted slave ships to rescue men, women and children from slavery. The last all-sail ship built by the U.S. Navy before the conversion to steam power, she served as a training ship for midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Her last active duty was to serve as the “relief flagship” of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet during World War II. Today, Constellation serves another mission—as a vital link to our nation’s past.
Lightship Chesapeake: Beacon of the Bay
Aptly named for Baltimore’s gateway to the world, the Lightship 116 Chesapeake was launched in 1930 to help protect and guide ships to safe harbor with its 1,000 watt light main beam, foghorn and bell. Such floating lightships played a critical role in early 20th century navigation and even served as coastal patrol boats during World War II. With its then state-of-the-art diesel main engines, all-steel body, and powerful signalling equipment, Lightship Chesapeake’s rugged construction allowed it to serve in even the roughest weather. Retired in 1970, the Lightship Chesapeake is today a National Historic Landmark and a proud addition to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor “fleet.”
Chesapeake Connection
Throughout the first half of the 20th century lightships like the Chesapeake were once a common sight along the Bay, marking th entrances to channels and warning og hazards to navigation for commercial shipping. Manned by the U.S. Coast Guard, these lightships also provided weather information and helped in rescue operations.
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U.S. Postal Service commemorated the 150th anniversary of USS Constellation’s launch with a commemorative stamp in 2004.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 39° 17.088′ N, 76° 36.712′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Inner Harbor. Marker can be reached from Light Street east of E Conway Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker is near the Visitor Center in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Spar Deck Guns (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Ship's Helm (about 300 feet away); Baltimore Turns the Tide (about 300 feet away); Hammock Rails (about 300 feet away); Adventure Begins at the Bay's Front Door (about 300 feet away); The Port of Baltimore (about 400 feet away); USS Constellation (about 400 feet away); The Ship's Head (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Also see . . .
1. USS Constellation (1854) (Wikipedia). (Submitted on March 2, 2020, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. United States lightship Chesapeake (LV-116) (Wikipedia). (Submitted on March 2, 2020, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2020, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on May 27, 2023, by Regina Breitmeyer of Baltimore, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 2, 2020, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.