Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Ship's Head
Restrooms for the crew were located forward through the passage at the bow. The ship's crew and officers relieved themselves here while exposed to the elements. Only the captain had private facilities.
The heads had two cabinets, one on each side of the bowsprit, with several holes cut in the top. Inside the cabinet construction directed all waste to a pipe that led down from the head, along the stem of the ship to the water below. Here it would be washed into the sea and carried away from the ship.
Origin of the Term "Heads"
On merchant vessels, the crew was traditionally quartered in the forecastle, a compartment near the bow. The crew's latrines were conventionally located on the beakhead just forward of this sign. Over time, sailors came to refer to their latrines by their location, ultimately shortening the word to "head."
Modern Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine personnel still refer to their restroom as the head. Members of the US Marine corps also refer to their latrines as "heads" due to their tradition of serving aboard ships. The term "head" first appeared as a reference to toilet in the 1708
this page online
Erected by Historic Ships in Baltimore.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Arts, Letters, Music • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the If You've Got to Go... series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1708.
Location. 39° 17.149′ N, 76° 36.674′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Inner Harbor. It can be reached from East Pratt Street east of Light Street (Maryland Route 2), on the right when traveling east. The marker stands on board the USS Constellation display. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 E Pratt St, Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hammock Rails (within shouting distance of this marker); USS Constellation (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ship's Helm (within shouting distance of this marker); Spar Deck Guns (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Port of Baltimore (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Living Classrooms (about 300 feet away); Welcome (about 400 feet away); Exodus 1947: "The ship That Launched a Nation" (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Port of Baltimore (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Top of the World Observation Level World Trade Center (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 3, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
