In
1632 Lord Baltimore, sent his son
George Calvert, and 300 settlers to
America. The following year Calvert established a new colony, Maryland,
at the mouth of the Potomac River. The area concentrated on producing
tobacco and in 1729 the community established
the port, Baltimore, at the head of the Patapsco River. It became
a city in 1796.
By the end of the 18th century Baltimore was a busy seaport and shipbuilding
centre. During the American War of Independence the Continental Congress
met in Baltimore (December, 1776-March, 1777). In 1797 the United
States Navy launched its first ship, Constellation,
from Baltimore.
In
the 19th century Baltimore became the home of an increasing number
of European immigrants. In 1890
over 69,000 people living in the city had been born in Europe. This
was 46 per cent of the 434,000 population and included large numbers
from Germany (41,000) and Ireland
(13,000).
On 7th February, 1904 a fire destroyed most of the business district.
It was quickly rebuilt and during the First World
War steelworks and oil refineries were established in the area.
The city of Baltimore covers an area of 81 square miles (209 square
km) and has a population of around 736,000.
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