Haunted Places in Baltimore

South Baltimore and the Baltimore Inner Harbor
and a Few Haunted Places in Baltimore

Local View of Baltimore and South Bmore
Haunted Places in Baltimore by Jane Selman

Baltimore. To many people it’s that place with Cal Ripken and steamed crabs. The National Aquarium and ethnic festivals. But Baltimore also boasts a treasure trove of history, much of which is pretty darn spooky.

Baltimore Inner Harbor Title Image

So if you’re in the mood to counteract the hot weather with a little chill (down your spine, that is) you can cool off at any one of a number of haunted sites in Baltimore.

Your first stop should be none other than the home of Edgar Allan Poe, father of the horror genre.

Veiled in myth and melancholy, Poe’s life and death has held a fascination for many us in Baltimore, where he experienced his first success and where he died of “congestion of the brain” in 1849. He lived here with his cousin, Virginia, and his aunt, Maria, from 1832 to 1835. While living in Baltimore, he wrote one of his first horror stories, “Berenice,” as well as “MS Found in a Bottle,” which he submitted to the Baltimore Saturday Visitor, winning a $50 prize.

Edgar Allan Poe Tombstone with Raven
Edgar Allan Poe Tombstone with (added) Raven

The house stands next to the Edgar Allan Poe Homes, the first public housing project in Baltimore, and stories abound about the spirit of “Mr. Eddie,” who watches over the house and nearby neighborhood. Some have even reported seeing a woman’s ghost in the house. You can call for information on visiting times at 410-396-7932. Amity Street is a small street that runs between West Saratoga and West Fayette Streets.

Poe was buried in Westminster Church Cemetery at Fayette and Green, a short walk from the Amity Street house. Fans and friends of Poe erected a proper monument in 1875 – the original stone was destroyed in a freak train accident – with money raised by Western Female High School schoolteacher Sarah Sigourney Rice and local school children (assisted by a generous donation from a local citizen).

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You can visit the grave between dawn and dusk – Virginia and Mrs. Clemm are also buried there. Every year a mysterious person brings a bottle of cognac and a single red rose. On Halloween fans gather for an evening of readings, complete with tours of the catacombs under the church. Both the house and cemetery are located in the western side of downtown Baltimore, an area easily accessible by bus.

Traditionally, visitors leave a few coins on the grave. You might want to take along a package of Tender Vittles to feed the number of cats that have taken it upon themselves to watch over the cemetery. Among them is a young black cat that sometimes suns himself on the grass.

Other prominent Baltimoreans are buried at the graveyard as well. Among them is General Samuel Smith, who helped organize the defense of Baltimore in the War of 1812, and the Secretary of War under George Washington and John Adams, Colonel James McHenry, after whom Fort McHenry was named (more on that in a minute).

Down at the Inner Harbor, you can feast your eyes on HarborPlace, have a snack, cool off by the water, and indulge in a bit of ghosthunting. The USS Constellation, which saw service from 1854 through the Civil War and until World War II, has been restored and is open again to the public for tours. While you’re walking around this magnificent ship, which helped to break up the slave trade and transported food to help famine victims in Ireland, keep a lookout for apparitions.

Back in 1955, a photograph, taken by a Naval lieutenant commander and published in Baltimore’s local newspaper, The Sun, seems to show a figure standing on the deck – perhaps the spirit of a young Naval officer or seaman who lost his life in service to his country. Those who’ve followed the Constellation’s history tell a story of a priest who went on the ship by himself and was guided around by an older man with a great knowledge of the ship. He later found out that no such person worked as a guide.

Other folks have reported hearing “strange noises” and seeing “strange shapes.” Two great scholars of the supernatural, Hans Holzer, ghosthunter, and Sybil Leek, self-proclaimed witch, both visited the ship to commune with the spirits. You can do the same or just enjoy walking the deck of this ship, which has survived pitch battles and the ravages of time. Bring your camera and see if you can catch a glimpse of the spirits on film. The Inner Harbor is accessible by bus and close to a stop on the Metro Subway. For information on touring the USS Constellation, call 410-539-1797.

Perhaps no landmark is more precious to Baltimoreans than Fort McHenry, where a battle that marked a turning point not only in Maryland’s history, but in America’s history, took place. At Fort McHenry the ill-equipped, overmatched American forces held out against the British Army and Navy and saved the new young nation in the War of 1812.

Fort McHenry with a Star Spangled Banner
Fort McHenry with a Star Spangled Banner

Everyone knows the story of the young lawyer, Francis Scott Key, who, while detained aboard a treaty ship in the harbor, saw that the flag still flew over the embattled fort and wrote the song that would later become our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Not many know about young Lieutenant Levi Claggett, one of the casualties of the battle – killed, with several of his men, during the shelling of his gun emplacement. He could be one of the spirits haunting the old fort.

During the Civil War many people were detained in the dungeons, which are open today for viewing. One is reported to have killed himself while there. He may be another unquiet spirit.

Rangers at the Fort report hearing footsteps, windows being opened and closed, doors slamming. They’ve allegedly seen lights turned back on after they’ve turned them off. No one speaks officially about the haunting, but many people believe that spirits reside there. Even if all the reports can be explained away logically, they still give one pause. Fort McHenry can be wonderfully eerie, especially when you look into the cells or the quarters and see the places where people resided for long periods.

You can get to the fort, located southeast of downtown, but take the Water Taxi instead. When you approach the fort by water, you experience a little of the thrill that Francis Scott Key must have felt when the smoke of rockets and cannons cleared away and he saw that “the flag was still there.”

For information on visiting Fort McHenry, call 410-962-4290.

Of course, can there be any place more eerie than a cemetery? Wayne Schaumburg leads tours of Greenmount Cemetery, located at North and Greenmount Avenues, a good bit to the Northeast of the downtown area. He has a wealth of information on the famous and the infamous interred there. John Wilkes Booth rests at Greenmount, but his grave is not marked.

“He’s in the family plot,” Schaumburg says, “No pun intended.”

The Greenmount Cemetery has its share of strange phenomena, both confirmed and unconfirmed. For instance, Allen Dulles, who headed the Central Intelligence Agency, is buried there.

“I always say the grave is bugged,” claims Schaumburg.

In addition, Jacques Kelly, a local historian and writer, is rumored to have once been locked in at the Greenmount Cemetery, which is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (The entrance is actually at Greenmount Avenue and Oliver Street). The cemetery is a short bus ride from downtown Baltimore.


If you need to unwind after all that hunting, you might want to look for spirits of another kind. Head for Fells Point, a neighborhood to the east of downtown Baltimore (accessible by bus), which has become known as the location of the police station in the TV show “Homicide.” Good food and charming shops are among the attractions. While you’re there, say hello to the ghost that is said to inhabit the Whistling Oyster at 807 South Broadway. He or she has a penchant for running up and down a flight of stairs that no longer exists.

Ghosts are also rumored to walk the streets of Fells Point. One is either Edward or William Fell, namesakes and founders of the area. One of the brothers has been spotted, according to neighborhood legend, roaming Shakespeare Street after last call.

[For information on getting around in Baltimore by public transportation, call the Mass Transit Administration at 410-539-5000. While in Baltimore, you might want to pay a visit to the Maryland Room at the Enoch Pratt Free Library where the friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you search out more ghosts and more Baltimore history. The library can be reached at 410-396-5430. Please note that it is closed on Fridays.]

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An Insider’s Look At Baltimore

Less than an hour from D.C., Baltimore is known far and wide for the Orioles, the Ravens and its steamed crabs.

Local View of Baltimore and South Bmore

Welcome to Baltimore.

Or as the natives say, “Welcome to Bawlamer, ‘hon.” Just a quick 90 minutes from Philadelphia and less than an hour from D.C., Baltimore is known far and wide for the Orioles, the Ravens and its steamed crabs. But there’s more to the city than that. Like Philly, Baltimore not only is rich in history, but is also a thriving metropolis with enough attractions to keep you busy for days at a time–or for a brief respite in between meetings. Whether you want to explore the Inner Harbor or venture farther afield to the surrounding counties, the Baltimore area has something for everyone.

BALTIMORE out line block letters

To get your bearings, start your visit to Baltimore atop Federal Hill at Warren Avenue and Key Highway. From the top of the hill, you can see a dramatic view of Baltimore’s cityscape. The area was named after the city-wide celebration that followed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and has been a public park since 1879. If heights don’t frighten you, don’t miss another view of the city from the Top of the World Observation Level and Museum at 401 E. Pratt Street (410-837-0845). Let the high speed elevators whisk you to the top of the World Trade Center for a five-sided panoramic view of the harbor and audio-visual presentations of the city’s proud heritage.

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Don’t overlook Fell’s Point to see how Baltimore’s past and present graciously coexist. Go east on Pratt Street to President Street to Aliceanna Street to Broadway Street and you’ll arrive in one of the country’s oldest surviving maritime communities. Now a national historic district, Fell’s Point’s cobblestone streets front charming shops, galleries, pubs, and restaurants. About 350 of the neighborhood’s original residential structures, many dating to the early 1700s, have been renovated and are home to those who wish to take advantage of all that city life has to offer.

If you only have time for a quick overview of Maryland’s fascinating heritage, don’t miss the Maryland Historical Society Museum and Library of Maryland History at 201 W. Monument Street (410-685-3750). The museum is home to the original copy of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” as well as one of the largest 19th century American silver collections in the world, the country’s largest decorative arts collection, and the Radcliffe Maritime Museum. What would a visit to Baltimore be without shopping? For a break from business or to find that perfect gift, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in the city’s many unique shopping districts.

Love antiques? Head over to Antique Row at the 800 block of N. Howard Street where many dealers sell items from the 18th century through the Art Deco period. From Howard Street, stroll up the city’s main corridor, Charles Street, and view Baltimore’s 19th and 20th century architecture while browsing in the many shops, galleries, and museums that line the street.

Developed by the Rouse Company, Harborplace and the Gallery are a shopper’s paradise. Located at the water’s edge, two glass-enclosed pavilions feature more than 100 shops, restaurants, and snack stands, while an above-ground walkway connects the Harborplace pavilion to the chic boutiques at the Gallery.

A must-visit for anyone coming to Baltimore is Fort McHenry (2400 E. Fort Ave., 410-962-4290), the birthplace of our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, first written as a poem by Francis Scott Key. Fort McHenry’s military history is best known for its defense of Baltimore (and our country) during the War of 1812 and “The Battle of Baltimore”, with it’s victory over the British Navy, September 13-14, 1814.

You might not think of Baltimore as a mecca for the transportation industry, but that it is. The B&O Railroad Museum, for example, at 901 W. Pratt Street (410-752-2490 or 752-2388), is located at Mt. Clare Station. The oldest railroad station in the United States, and the birthplace of the B&O Railroad, the museum boasts the most extensive collection of railroad memorabilia in the country. Railroad collectibles, including prints, relics, dioramas, and a model train garden, are also on display.

Over at the Baltimore Maritime Museum at Pier 3 on Pratt Street (410-396-3453 or 396-5528), the city’s seagoing heritage is on display. Here you can visit the submarine U.S.S. Torsk, which sank the last warship during World War II, and also see the Lightship Chesapeake, which served as a floating lighthouse.

Two of the country’s most prestigious art museums can be found in Baltimore. The Baltimore Museum of Art on Art Museum Drive at Charles Street at 31st Street (410-396-7100 or 396-6320) is located just a short distance away from downtown Baltimore, adjacent to the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus. The museum features a permanent collection of more than 120,000 works of art including the renowned Cone collection of 20th century art by such painters as Matisse, Picasso, and Cezanne. In addition to the American Wing, the museum spotlights the art of Africa, Asia, and Oceania, and the recently opened wing for modern art is drawing praise for its striking architecture.

At the Walters Art Gallery at 600 N. Charles Street (410- 547-9000), more than 30,000 masterpieces covering 5,000 years of history are on permanent display. The Hackerman House, the museum’s Asian art wing, boasts more than 1,000 works. If you’re in town over the weekend, take the museum’s free tour on Saturday, 11 a.m.-noon.

Baltimore’s ethnic diversity is one of its charms. From Little Italy to Corned Beef Row, the city not only teems with the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of its “melting pot” population, but has also put together fascinating and educational displays to help resident and visitors alike get to know one another better.

If life’s a zoo, take a few hours off and visit the real thing at the Baltimore Zoo at Druid Hill Park (410-396-7102). Baltimore’s zoo boasts 1,500 exotic birds, mammals, and reptiles that can be seen by walking through the grounds or riding the zoo tram. The zoo also features the largest colony of African black-footed penguins in the United States and a brand new Penguin exhibit that has become enormously popular. And if the family came along on this trip, everyone will had a wonderful time.

Haven’t had your fill of animals yet. Then make your way to the National Aquarium in Baltimore at 501 E. Pratt Street (410-576-3800). The Aquarium is home to more thousands of aquatic animals, including sharks and dolphins. There are twelve major themed exhibits, including the Marine Mammal Pavilion.

And what would Baltimore be without baseball. The boys of summer may have cut their season short but you can still relive the game’s glory days at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Baseball Center, 216 Emory Street (410-727-1539). Now home to the second largest baseball museum in the country, the Babe Ruth birthplace has films, highlights, and exhibits on Babe Ruth, the Orioles, and Maryland’s baseball history. And for a glimpse at baseball as it’s played today (well, as it was being played) take a tour of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden Street (410-685-9800). Baltimore has been receiving kudos from baseball fans near and far ever since the 46,000-seat park opened. See for yourself what everyone’s cheering about.

Out and About – Day Tripping

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, you’re in luck. Hop in a car and in no time at all you can find yourself outside the city boundaries, enjoying the fresh air and scenic charms of Baltimore’s surrounding counties.

In Howard County, you’re just about 30 minutes away from downtown Baltimore, but in a different world. Columbia, the population center of the county, is one of the country’s most successful “new towns.” Developed by the Rouse Company (of Harborplace fame), Columbia is a completely planned community with different “villages” that incorporate housing, schools, recreation, ands shopping.

Just five miles from the town center of Columbia (which, by the way, has its own shopping mall if you’re in need of a quick fix), lies the town of Ellicott City, formerly Ellicott Mills. Craft shops, art galleries, and restaurants line the historic district of Main Street. The town’s old stone buildings have seen their share of misfortune–from fires to floods–but it seems that nothing can destroy the city for long.

In nearby Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry Street, Savage, MD, a 19th century cotton mill has been renovated to showcase dozens specialty shops, antique dealers, and artists’ studios. Browse the Mill’s unique specialty shops and fine art & craft galleries for one-of-a-kind gifts, including home decor, jewelry, books, games, pets & kids.

Venturing a bit farther, say two and a half hours east, takes you to the Atlantic Ocean. There you can discover, enjoy and/or vacation in Ocean City, Maryland or Fenwick Island, Delaware. And, of course, right on the border between the two states you can see the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse that dates back to 1851.

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(Original article by Carol Sorgen at Lodging.com, 15+ years ago – but most still applies today.)


Baltimore Hotels

There are many hotels downtown convenient to the Inner Harbor and the South Baltimore Peninsula.

Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotels
Baltimore Inner Harbor with Sheraton and Hyatt Regence Hotels with Orioles Park at Camden Yards in the background.

The Courtyard Baltimore Downtown/McHenry Row is the only hotel actually on the South Baltimore peninsula. It is located at 1803 Porter Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. 443-853-9918
Link: CLICK for a closer look and to compare rates.

Courtyard by Marriott/McHenry Row Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott/McHenry Row Hotel

Other Popular Hotels in and around the Baltimore Inner Harbor

Marriott Baltimore Waterfront

Marriott Baltimore Waterfront
Harbor East Baltimore
700 Aliceanna St., Baltimore, MD

Days Inn Inner Harbor Convention Center

Days Inn Inner Harbor Hotel
Convention Center 
100 Hopkins Place, Baltimore, MD 21201

Pier 5 Hotel
Featured on the Water
711 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202

Lord Baltimore Hotel
Featured in the heart of downtown
20 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Hyatt Regency Baltimore
The Inner Harbor is at your front door.
300 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel
At the Baltimore Convention Center
300 South Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel
Inner Harbor 
202 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Admiral Fell Inn
In the heart of Fells Point 
888 S. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231

Brookshire Suites
All Suites Hotel in the center of Downtown
120 E. Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Hotel
Inner Harbor “Top Shelf”
550 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Downtown
Little Italy/Harbor East – 1000 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor Hotel
Camden Yard & Convention Center – 110 S. Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Residence Inn by Marriott Inner Harbor – Downtown
17 Light Street, Baltimore, MD

Holiday Inn Inner Harbor
Walk to the Inner Harbor – 301 W. Lombard St.

Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor
Harbor East Baltimore (walk to Inner Harbor)
511 South Central Avenue, Baltimore 21202

Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel
Skywalk to the Baltimore Convention Center – 401 W. Prtt St., Baltimore, MD 21201

LOCATION – Choose a hotel by location

Business Traveler
Baltimore offers a variety of amenities for the business traveler.

Romantic Getaway
The Harbor Court is a good place to rekindle any romance.

Conference Center
Visitors attending a conference will find convenient digs downtown.

Leisure Traveler
The crack of a bat – the putt-putt of a motorboat – the swish of wind through the sails – Baltimore is heaven for leisure travelers.

Families
Kids will go ga-ga staying downtown.

Budget Travelers
Even the luxury hotels in Baltimore have great weekend deals and getaway packages.

Airport Lodging
If the sound of takeoffs and landings is music to your ears, you might opt for one of the splendid airport hotels.

Local View of Baltimore and South Bmore

Click for: An Insider’s Look at Baltimore.