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Historic Walking Tour Of Baltimore

June 9, 2014 / 6:00 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

What could be better than a nice stroll with some history to boot? Even if you think you know it all, more can be learned about Baltimore and its rich history. Embark on a walking tour to understand more about this city and its roots. Use those legs and walk your way through the history of Baltimore.

USS Constellation
Pier 1
301 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 539-1797
www.historicships.org/constellation.html

Launched in August 1855, the USS Constellation is one of several sloops of war that tells the rich history of Baltimore's part in The War of 1812. Visitors can explore each of the four decks and see the crew's living quarters. They can also check out the artifacts and personal items that tell the ship's history. An experience to behold is the firing of the Parrot rifle. There is a store available and the historic ships are available for receptions and other private events.

Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
844 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 837-1793
www.flaghouse.org

This one-of-a-kind museum is the former home of Mary Pickersgill, creator of the flag that was hoisted over Ft. McHenry-- the very flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," our nation's anthem. The museum is a great look at life in the 19th century as well. Visitors can sew a flag and also receive a visit from Ms. Pickersgill herself. A downstairs interactive exhibit talks about the history of the flaghouse. Visitors can also learn about flag history and etiquette. In addition, there is a 10-minute film about the War of 1812 and the events leading up to the creation of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Phoenix Shot Tower
801 E. Fayette St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 837-5424
www.baltimore.to/ShotTower

One of the most fascinating industrial marvels in Baltimore is the Phoenix Shot Tower where shot for weapons ranging from pistols to canons was made starting in 1828. The process was extraordinary. The website states that "molten lead was dropped from the top of the tower into a vat of water at the bottom. The lead droplets, like raindrops, would form into perfect spheres, cool and solidify as they fell into the cooling water vat below." The Shot Tower was named as an historic landmark in 1972 and is a familiar site found along the skyline of the Baltimore downtown area.

Reginald F. Lewis Museum
830 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(443) 263-1800
www.rflewismuseum.org

This museum strives "to be the premier experience and best resource for information and inspiration about the lives of African- American Marylanders. The museum seeks to realize its mission by collecting, preserving, interpreting, documenting and exhibiting the rich contributions of African-American Marylanders from the state's earliest history to the present and the future." There are permanent as well as changing exhibits in the three galleries that make up the museum. Guided tours are available for visitors.

Jewish Museum of Maryland
15 Lloyd St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 732-6400
www.jewishmuseummd.org

Visitors to Jewish Museum of Maryland can learn about the rich history of Jewish history, culture, traditions and the community. The museum features galleries for the various exhibits, a research library and meeting rooms. There is also a museum shop. According to the Director of Education, two synagogues comprise the museum - B'nai Israel and Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. Baltimore Hebrew Congregation is the third oldest synagogue building still standing. It is a national historic landmark. Guided tours of the synagogue building are available five times a day.

Vickie Lawson is a freelance writer whose work can be found on Examiner.com.

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