Located in central Maryland along the Patapsco River, Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States as well as the largest city in the state. This northeastern city has a rich history as one of the original colonies. Baltimore played a key role in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Filled with historical monuments and museums commemorating the history of this city, this harbor town is also home to one of the oldest and the largest U.S. seaports in the Mid-Atlantic.
Despite its history as a working-class port and industrial town, Baltimore suffered from deindustrialization and now relies on service industries as the main economy. Greater Baltimore, consisting of the city and surrounding suburbs in Baltimore County, houses five Fortune 1000 companies and acts as a growing financial, business and health service base for the southern Mid-Atlantic region. Johns Hopkins Hospital, widely regarded as one of the world´s greatest hospitals, is also located in Baltimore.
Much of Baltimore culture centers on the working-class makeup of the city. The open and friendly nature of the residents have led to the city´s nickname of Charm City. Also known as the City of Firsts and Monument City, Baltimore holds a variety of festivals centered on the art, history and culture of the city. Historic neighborhoods, like the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Little Italy or Mount Vernon, capture the marriage of old and new that defines the spirit of Baltimore.
