Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Garrett Building
Robert Garrett (1783-1857), an Irish-born merchant-turned-financier, came to Baltimore as a young man in 1801 and clerked for several years in a produce and commission house. In 1819, he opened his own firm on Howard Street, dispatching such items as flint, chocolate and chalk to village stores out west, and receiving in return ginseng, snakeroot and whiskey. The business prospered and by the mid-century, Robert Garrett and Sons were leaders in trade, shipping, railroads and finance. They and their descendants rose to an extraordinary level of influence in the economic, social and civic affairs of the city, the state and the nation.
In 1981, the partners of the law firm of Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger and Hollander purchased the building and began one of the single largest restoration projects in the history of downtown Baltimore. The project was completed in January, 1984.
Erected by the City of Baltimore, Garrett Associates, sponsor and William Donald Schaefer, mayor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Baltimore City historical markers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1984.
Location. 39° 17.333′ N, 76° 36.663′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of East Redwood Street and South Street, on the left when traveling west on East Redwood Street. 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. Canton House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lovely Lane Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); American District Telegraph (ADT) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chamber of Commerce Building (about 300 feet away); Baltimore Chamber of Commerce (about 300 feet away); Wendel Bollman (about 400 feet away); Continental Trust Building (about 400 feet away); Rembrandt Peale (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,387 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.