We’re #1! Although that phrase can be a bit overused, it’s true when it comes to the following 10 items. Take a look and be WOWed at these things that Baltimore did before anyone else.
- The first to dedicate a monument to George Washington.
Flickr / Chung Chu Everyone has heard of DC’s Washington Monument, but Baltimore paid tribute to George Washington even before that. Built in 1815, this tall structure is now the centerpiece of the Mount Vernon neighborhood.
- Home to the first cathedral in the US.
Flickr / Brian Moran This grand structure is known as The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You can visit America’s first cathedral to experience splendor and history.
- The first dental school in America.
Flickr / Joint Hometown News Se University of Maryland was the first to begin a dental school in 1840. Other colleges across the country eventually followed.
- The birthplace of America’s railroad.
Flickr / Mr.TinDC In fact, you can still ride the first commercial mile of railroad track laid in America at the B & O Railroad Museum on West Pratt Street. An enriching day trip, indeed.
- The electric refrigerator was invented here.
Flickr / Brad K. Where would we be without the refrigerator? It was invented in 1803 by Baltimore resident, Thomas Moore.
- The first wax museum of African American history in the US.
Flickr / SherryBerryVA Established in 1983, National Great Blacks In Wax Museum can now be visited year-round on E North Ave.
- The Ouija board was invented here.
Flickr / jmawork What’s even cooler is that the inventor, Elijah Bond, is now buried in Baltimore’s Green Mount Cemetery. His headstone is a replica Ouija board. A must see!
- America’s first professional sports organization.
Flickr / MdAgDept The Maryland Jockey Club dates all the way back to 1743 and is still going strong.
- Home of the first city magazine.
Flickr / Erica Baltimore Magazine is over a century old, having began in 1906. You can still find this magazine at local markets, as they’re most known for highlighting the best doctors, restaurants, and businesses in the area.
- First African American Supreme Court Justice.
Flickr / Jim Bowen Did you know that Thurgood Marshall was a Baltimorean? You can find a memorial of this inspiring soul at the Annapolis State House.
When it comes to firsts in Baltimore, this list just scratches the surface. Anything you would add?
Flickr / Chung Chu
Everyone has heard of DC’s Washington Monument, but Baltimore paid tribute to George Washington even before that. Built in 1815, this tall structure is now the centerpiece of the Mount Vernon neighborhood.
Flickr / Brian Moran
This grand structure is known as The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You can visit America’s first cathedral to experience splendor and history.
Flickr / Joint Hometown News Se
University of Maryland was the first to begin a dental school in 1840. Other colleges across the country eventually followed.
Flickr / Mr.TinDC
In fact, you can still ride the first commercial mile of railroad track laid in America at the B & O Railroad Museum on West Pratt Street. An enriching day trip, indeed.
Flickr / Brad K.
Where would we be without the refrigerator? It was invented in 1803 by Baltimore resident, Thomas Moore.
Flickr / SherryBerryVA
Established in 1983, National Great Blacks In Wax Museum can now be visited year-round on E North Ave.
Flickr / jmawork
What’s even cooler is that the inventor, Elijah Bond, is now buried in Baltimore’s Green Mount Cemetery. His headstone is a replica Ouija board. A must see!
Flickr / MdAgDept
The Maryland Jockey Club dates all the way back to 1743 and is still going strong.
Flickr / Erica
Baltimore Magazine is over a century old, having began in 1906. You can still find this magazine at local markets, as they’re most known for highlighting the best doctors, restaurants, and businesses in the area.
Flickr / Jim Bowen
Did you know that Thurgood Marshall was a Baltimorean? You can find a memorial of this inspiring soul at the Annapolis State House.
For a handful of interesting Maryland facts, click here!
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