The town of Baltimore was founded in 1729 and incorporated in 1796. Baltimore was named to honor the title of Maryland’s founding family, the six Lords of Baltimore. In 1768 the beginning Baltimore was a tiny village of 200 homes. As the city grew it became an important shipbuilding center. Merchants prospered and the city’s port flourished. In 1851, the city was separated from Baltimore County and given status equal to that of the counties in 1851. By 1860, Baltimore was the third largest city in the nation. Today Baltimore is the 13th largest city in the United States.
Baltimore is home to a world port, many government offices, significant medical and educational institutions and a major tourist attraction. It is one of the most important cities on the East Coast.
There are at least 200 distinct neighborhoods in Baltimore. Among them includes: