BALTIMORE, Md. — Maryland’s status as one of the first 13 colonies is one of our state’s most important attributes. Throughout the last several hundred years, many monuments have been built to celebrate the history of the Old Line State, and there are a variety that are worth a visit if you’re looking for your next adventure. From state parks to Civil War battlefields, here are 10 historical locations that you can visit in Maryland!
Historic St. Mary’s City
Historic St. Mary’s City is the best place to explore in Maryland if you want to learn about the history of our state. With archaic buildings and historical reenactors, St. Mary’s City will show you what life was like for Marylanders in centuries past. Plus, St. Mary’s City was the first capital of Maryland, so everyone should take a trip there at least once.
Address: 18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686
St. Clement’s Island State Park
St. Clement’s Island is the landing site where the very first Maryland colonists arrived in the state. Today, visitors can explore dozens of acres of parkland and various historic monuments. St. Clement’s Island’s 40-foot cross was built in 1934 as a tribute to the colonial landing in the Old Line State, while the 2008 Blackistone Island Light replica provides another exciting landmark to explore.
How to Visit: The St. Clement’s Island Museum offers boat rides to the island for $7 per visitor.
Address: 38370 Point Breeze Road, Coltons Point, MD 20626
Point Lookout State Park
Point Lookout State Park is located on a beautiful peninsula with miles of prime hiking trails to explore. Even more noteworthy, Point Lookout was previously the site of a Union prison camp during the American Civil War, with more than 50,000 prisoners estimated to have been held there in total throughout its active use. If you like hiking and visiting historically relevant places, then Point Lookout is the perfect option for a trip to the Chesapeake Bay!
Address: 11175 Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD 20687
Maryland State House
The Maryland State House in Annapolis is perhaps the most important historical location in the entire state. It temporarily served as the capital of our country between 1783 and 1784, granting it significant importance in our country’s history. The State House is also located in the heart of Annapolis, so it’s right next to dozens of other historical buildings and streets in Maryland’s capital city.
Address: 100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
Historic Sotterley
Found in Hollywood, Maryland, Historic Sotterley is a National Historic Landmark. It was once a plantation house hundreds of years ago, but now serves as a museum to teach about the daily lives of the people who lived there, which included many enslaved individuals. The 1703 Manor House and various other preserved buildings offer a glimpse into Maryland’s past. Historic Sotterley also has a variety of trails for hikers and guided tours for historically minded visitors.
Address: 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636
Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry is a location in Baltimore with a rich history spanning multiple centuries. Not only was Fort McHenry a major point of the city’s defense during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814, but that same battle was also the direct inspiration for “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The fort has been converted into a family-friendly park, making it a great choice for a day of exploring the expansive history of Baltimore’s past.
Address: 2400 East Fort Ave., Baltimore, MD 21230
Fells Point
Fells Point is a charming waterfront neighborhood in Baltimore with cobblestone roads and historic architecture from the 18th century. It was originally a major shipbuilding port in Baltimore. You’ll find various shops and restaurants throughout the streets of Fells Point, but the true attraction is the beautiful buildings that will transport you back to centuries past.
Address: 1632 Aliceanna St., Baltimore, MD 21231
B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum is historic because it’s located at Mount Clare Station, the birthplace of passenger railways in America. It served as one of the first stations to carry passengers between vast distances across the East Coast, and it remains today as a museum to teach visitors about the history of passenger railways in the United States.
Address: 901 West Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21223
Baltimore’s Washington Monument
The Washington Monument may make you think of Washington, D.C., but Baltimore was actually the first place to receive a Washington Monument. Found in Mount Vernon Place, the 19th-century monument offers a virtual tour of the exterior and interior, and you can even climb the stair tower for a fee, so this is one landmark that’s worth a visit if you like learning about Maryland’s history.
Address: 699 Washington Place, Baltimore, MD 21201
Antietam National Battlefield
The Antietam National Battlefield was the site of a fight known today as the bloodiest day in American history. Following 12 hours of military combat during the Civil War, around 23,000 soldiers were wounded, missing or killed due to the fighting. In contemporary times, the Antietam National Battlefield is preserved as a park for visitors, allowing anyone to explore the history of the Civil War’s deadliest battle.
Address: 5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782
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