Baltimore

The original town of Baltimore was founded in 1729 but it wasn't incorporated until 1796. The city was named to honor Maryland's founding family the Lords Baltimore. It was a tiny village of 200 homes in 1768 when it became the Baltimore County seat. The city grew and became an important shipbuilding center where merchants prospered and the city's port flourished. The city was separated from Baltimore County and given status equal to that of the counties in 1851. Baltimore was the third largest city in the nation by 1860 and today is the 13th largest. It is one of only two independent cities in the United States. With a world port government offices significant medical and educational institutions and major tourist attractions Baltimore is one of the most important cities on the East Coast.