1-Day Baltimore Literature Tour

Fort McHenry

Known for its legendary role in the War of 1812, and as the spark of creativity which inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner, Baltimore's Fort McHenry is an iconic and significant site of American history. The fort was made a national park in 1925 as well as a national monument and historic shrine in 1939, the only such place to be honored with the dual designation. The fort is easily accessible by water taxi from the Inner Harbor and is a highly popular tourist destination in Baltimore. Everyone wants to visit the birthplace of the National Anthem!

Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore is not only a renowned museum but a historical attraction in itself, offering educational value to all visiting student groups. The Flag House itself was built in 1793 and occupied by one Mary Pickersgill, the woman who sewed the everlastingly famous "Star-Spangled Banner" which flew proudly over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Mrs. Pickersgill's flag was Francis Scott Key's inspiration for the national anthem as he watched the flag flying resolutely, victoriously all through the battle. The Pickersgill Flag House and the museum which was built alongside it has been preserved to welcome guests of all ages to learn about life during the early 19th century, about the American flag's origins, and much more.

George Peabody Library

Formerly known as the Library of the Peabody Institute of the City of Baltimore, this 19th-century-focused research library is a part of Sheridan Libraries within The John Hopkins University. It holds over 300,000 volumes of books from the renaissance through the 19th-century. It first officially opened its doors in 1878, with a mission to be 'filled with the most appropriate books of the day'. During your visit you may schedule a tour as well as visit the Exhibit Room, with regularly changing exhibits, the current example being 'City People: Black Baltimore in the Photos of John Clark Mayden'. Note that the library is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Edgar Allen Poe Gravesite

At the Westminster Burying Ground, you will find both the original gravesite and the newer, more substantial one. Edgar Allan Poe was first buried in 1849 in an unmarked grave. Shortly after a sandstone tomb with the number '80' was placed on it, then a better, marble display was created for the area but destroyed by a train before it was installed. Today you will see the monument and headstone from 1875. The monument features a bas-relief bust of Poe and the dates 1809-1849. The other sides pay tribute to Maria Poe Clemm (Virginia's mother), and Virginia Clemm Poe.

Baltimore Ghost Tour

Being the 'leading haunted tour in Baltimore', we highly recommend you take the Original Fells Point GhostWalk. This tour will take you on a historic journey of the once 'rowdy seaport town' as it tells you all about clipper ships, international sailors, and, of course, ladies of the night! All of these things together make for some interesting ghost stories, trust us! This tour is meant for all ages and lasts about an hour and a half. It is so historically accurate and entertaining that it has even won a few awards of recognition!