Baltimore Skyline Pictures

Though not a home to the mega-skyscrapers found in other large East Coast cities, Baltimore, Maryland has a skyline all its own. An historic city with roots in the colonization of the New World, Baltimore has played an important in the development and growth of America. An independent city since 1851, Baltimore is home to a wide diversity of architectural styles that reflects the long and storied history of this All American city. The Baltimore skyline has a striking blend of old and new combining to create a one of a kind urban panorama.

Home to a tradition of great sports teams, world famous universities and hard working people, modern day Baltimore has risen from the ashes of the Great Baltimore Fire. A stop along the National Road and a major port of call for the world, Baltimore has welcomed millions visitors and immigrants from every corner of the planet.

The Baltimore Skyline

The Bank of America Building

An early example of true skyscraper design, the Bank of America Building was constructed in 1924. The classic Art Deco design of the Bank of America Building stands out along the Baltimore skyline. This grand building reigned as the tallest skyscraper in the city from it’s opening in 1924 until 1973 when the honor passed to the Legg mason Building on Light Street. Just over 500 feet tall, the Bank of America Building will soon be overshadowed by the 300 East Pratt Building and several other buildings that are either in the planning stages or under construction.

The Legg Mason Building

Up the street from the famous Bank of America Building is the tallest building in the city of Baltimore. The Legg Mason Building over took the title when it opened in 1973. At 529 feet in height the Legg Mason Building features 40 floors and is an example of the modern architecture that is gaining prominence along the Baltimore skyline.

The Fidelity Building

Considered the first true skyscraper in the city of Baltimore, the Fidelity Building is a classic. Rising 220 feet above North Charles Street, the Fidelity Building was essentially built in two stages with the top seven floors having been added after the building opened in 1893. The beautiful Romanesque architectural design has helped the Fidelity Building endure as a Baltimore landmark.

Baltimore Sports

High quality pictures and panoramas of sports are quite popular among sports fans and collectors. Like most large American cities, Baltimore is the proud home of several successful professional and semi-professional sports franchises.

The Baltimore Orioles

One of the oldest ball clubs in professional sports, the Baltimore Orioles were founded in 1894 as the Milwaukee Brewers. In 1901, the team relocated to Saint Louis as the Browns. The team remained in Saint Louis until 1953 and played at the Sportsman’s Park race track. In 1954, the city of Baltimore came calling and team relocated once again. The Orioles played in Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium until 1991 when the venerable venue was demolished. From 1991 to the present day, the Baltimore Orioles have called Oriole Park at Camden Yards their home field. Affectionately called Camden Yards, the ballpark is home to the Green Monster, a high wall that hovers over left field.

The Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League were formerly the Cleveland Browns. One of the youngest professional football franchises, the Ravens set up shop in Baltimore in 1995 as a replacement team for the Baltimore Colts. The Colts had relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana after a long and storied run. As part of the relocation to Baltimore, the State of Maryland authorized construction of a new stadium at Camden Yards.

The M & T Bank Stadium opened in 1998. For the late Art Model, then owner of the Browns franchise moving the team to Baltimore was not without its problems. Model was forced to give back the Browns franchise name which allowed the Browns to reestablish the team in Cleveland.

Baltimore Star Spangled History

From the early days of colonial America to the American Revolution to the present day, Baltimore has been at the center of history. The writing of the poem Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key was inspired by the attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812. British naval forces were bombarding the city were thrown back by American forces at Fort Henry. After being set to music by John Stafford Smith in 1780, the song was eventually chosen as the National Anthem of the United States in 1931.