Baltimore's Firsts in Transportation

We love sharing the history of Baltimore with our guests at Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast. For starters, our impeccably restored inn was built in the 18th century and once hosted George and Martha Washington among its guests back in the 1790s. But beyond our historic walls, there are history lessons to be learned in every corner of Baltimore, many of them having to do with the city's position as a port city.

Founded in 1729, Baltimore quickly became an important hub for trade, commerce and transportation. Its strategic location on the Chesapeake Bay made it an ideal location for shipping and receiving goods from all over the world, helping to establish the city as a thriving economic center. One important invention that can be traced to the city’s position as a port and commercial hub is the development of the clipper ship. These sailing vessels, designed specifically for speed, were first built by shipbuilders at Fell’s Point. The invention helped propel Baltimore into one of America’s most important seaports and established it as a leader in nautical engineering technology. These days, you can still find replicas of these revolutionary ships moored in Inner Harbor, like the Pride of Baltimore II that offers deck tours and day sails when it is in port. "Pride II" has an active sailing schedule, racing all around the Atlantic, which you can follow on their website.

From the water to dry land... In 1824, Baltimore became the terminus of America’s first federally funded highway: the National Road. The National Road was a major contributor to the country's westward expansion because it connected Baltimore to the Ohio River and beyond, making it easier for goods to be transported from the east to the west. This helped Baltimore to continue its growth as a major port city and further solidified its position as a hub of commerce. Despite being replaced by more modern highways in the 20th century, the National Road remains an important part of American history and is remembered for its role in the country's growth and development.

Also helping to shape transportation in early America was the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad. Established in 1827, the B&O was the first common carrier railroad, meaning it was the first railroad to offer transportation to the general public, as well as to businesses. It connected the port of Baltimore with the Ohio River in Wheeling, West Virginia, making it a vital link between the East Coast and the Midwest. Over the years, the B&O expanded its network and grew into one of the largest railroads in the country. The B&O played a significant role in the American Civil War, with Union troops using the railroad to transport supplies and troops. It also served as a major transportation route for fleeing slaves, who used the Underground Railroad to escape to freedom in the north. Today, the B&O Railroad Museum preserves the history and heritage of the railroad.

All these remarkable achievements demonstrate how influential Baltimore was when it came to pioneering new forms of transportation technology throughout our nation’s history – an impressive legacy that any visitor will appreciate when visiting Charm City today. We hope that during next getaway stay with us at Rachael's Dowry's Bed and Breakfast you will take some time to explore Baltimore's fascinating history.