Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Adventure Begins at the Bay's Front Door
Baltimore Visitor Center and Gwynns Falls Trail
— Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network —
Photographed By Don Morfe, December 20, 2014
1. Adventure Begins at the Bay's Front Door Marker
Inscription.
Adventure Begins at the Bay's Front Door. Baltimore Visitor Center and Gwynns Falls Trail. It’s amazing how much has happened here since Captain John Smith traveled up the Patapsco while exploring the Chesapeake Bay in 1608. Since its founding in 1729, Baltimore has been the scene of some of American history’s great moments, among them the creation of The Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 18 12 and the first bloodshed of the Civil War.
Start your adventure at the Baltimore Visitor Center---you gateway to all that Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay region have to offer. At the Visitor Center, you’ll learn more about the major attractions around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the shores of the Patapsco River, most of which can be reached easily and quickly by foot or a short water taxi ride. You’ll also discover neighborhoods and trails that will lead you to Baltimore’s gems beyond the water’s edge. Whether you’re interested in sailing ships, screwpile lighthouses, or a bike ride along the Gwynns Falls Trail, Baltimore’s sure to be more than you imagine.
(Inscriptions under the photos in the center) , Top: Along the Trail is this iron wheel used 150 years ago to pump water uphill to Thomas deKay Winans’ Crimea estate, near Leaking Park. Above: Trail bikers as well as hikers enjoy views of the Gwynns Falls stream valley as seen near bridge crossings.
Left: A bird’s eye view of Baltimore City and the basin (today’s Inner Harbor) by Alexander Hay Ritchie for Lloyd’s Steamboat and Railroad Guide, 1859.
Baltimore’s Greenway to the Chesapeake Bay , Hike, bike, run, walk, skate, fish, boat or picnic---just explore the 15-mile Gwynns Falls Trail. See an old millrace pathway, a carriage driveway, Colonial and 19th century mansions and estates, ruins of old mills, a mock fort, a waterwheel, the oldest continuously used railroad bridge in the United States, and much more.
This unique greenway passes through more than 30 neighborhoods where you will experience one of the largest urban wilderness parks remaining on the East Coast---Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park…with over 2000 acres of stream valley parkland.
Chesapeake Connection , As a major tributary to the Patapsco River and part of the larger watershed of the Chesapeake Bay, Gwynns Falls shares much of the region’s history where water created economic opportunity. The rushing waters of Gwynns Falls powered grain mills that made Baltimore as early commercial success.
It’s amazing how much has happened here since Captain John Smith traveled up the Patapsco while exploring the Chesapeake Bay in 1608. Since its founding in 1729, Baltimore has been the scene of some of American history’s great moments, among them the creation of The Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 1812 and the first bloodshed of the Civil War.
Start your adventure at the Baltimore Visitor Center---you gateway to all that Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay region have to offer. At the Visitor Center, you’ll learn more about the major attractions around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the shores of the Patapsco River, most of which can be reached easily and quickly by foot or a short water taxi ride. You’ll also discover neighborhoods and trails that will lead you to Baltimore’s gems beyond the water’s edge. Whether you’re interested in sailing ships, screwpile lighthouses, or a bike ride along the Gwynns Falls Trail, Baltimore’s sure to be more than you imagine.
(Inscriptions under the photos in the center) Top: Along the Trail is this iron wheel used 150 years ago to pump water uphill to Thomas deKay Winans’ Crimea estate, near Leaking Park.
Above: Trail bikers as well as hikers enjoy views of the Gwynns Falls stream valley as seen near bridge crossings.
Left: A bird’s eye view of Baltimore City and the basin (today’s
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Inner Harbor) by Alexander Hay Ritchie for Lloyd’s Steamboat and Railroad Guide, 1859.
Baltimore’s Greenway to the Chesapeake Bay Hike, bike, run, walk, skate, fish, boat or picnic---just explore the 15-mile Gwynns Falls Trail. See an old millrace pathway, a carriage driveway, Colonial and 19th century mansions and estates, ruins of old mills, a mock fort, a waterwheel, the oldest continuously used railroad bridge in the United States, and much more.
This unique greenway passes through more than 30 neighborhoods where you will experience one of the largest urban wilderness parks remaining on the East Coast---Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park…with over 2000 acres of stream valley parkland.
Chesapeake Connection As a major tributary to the Patapsco River and part of the larger watershed of the Chesapeake Bay, Gwynns Falls shares much of the region’s history where water created economic opportunity. The rushing waters of Gwynns Falls powered grain mills that made Baltimore as early commercial success.
Erected by Baltimore City Heritage Area.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.
Location. 39° 17.052′ N, 76° 36.768′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Inner Harbor. Marker
Photographed By Don Morfe, December 20, 2014
2. Adventure Begins at the Bay's Front Door Marker
The Baltimore Visitor Center is in the background.
is at the intersection of Light Street and Conway Street on Light Street. The marker is near the entrance to the Baltimore Visitor Center in the Inner Harbor. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 861 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 23, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
