The waters of Baltimore's Inner Harbor were actually an essential reason for the founding of Baltimore in 1729. However, it took hundreds of years for what is today known as Inner Harbor to take flight. Centuries later, after ridding the surrounding land of abandoned warehouses, the city was able to develop what in days past was known as The Basin. They also constructed the 7-mile brick promenade along the Harbor itself.
As far as being a viable seaport, the Inner Harbor's problem was that due to its shallow waters, it was limited to small freighters and light passenger traffic. According to a book published by the city itself entitled "The Baltimore Harbor," by the late 1940s, even those industries dried up due to tough economic times.
In the late 1960s, the city of Baltimore hatched a plan to completely revitalize the entire Inner Harbor. When the plan was approved, many people viewed it as a modern day Seward's Folly. However, the plan turned out to be a great idea and by the nation's bicentennial in 1976, tall ships sailed through the Inner Harbor.
In 1980, Harborplace officially opened and today it's one of the most festive marketplaces and cultural destinations in the country. Also along the Inner Harbor sits the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center.
Walking through the modern excitement and bustling energy of today's Inner Harbor, it's hard to imagine its down and out past. Some locals can still recall the days when it was the rough and tumble domain of seafarers and dock workers.
The Inner Harbor is a great learning center that never forgets its past. Places such as the Maritime Museum offer a fun glimpse into one of the great American places to visit.
