This unique photograph speaks of American History and Patriotism.
So, why are there two American Flags in this photograph? Few people know this, but you can actually fly your own flag over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. You can either bring your own American Flag or buy one in the gift shop and take it to a Park Ranger in the fort. He or she will hoist your flag up the historic flagpole (may even let you help) and you can see your own flag flying over Fort McHenry. The Visitor Center staff will then give you a certificate to certify that your flag was flown over Fort McHenry.
Two Flags Over Fort McHenry in Baltimore
It was at this revered place that American soldiers defended our young country against the British fleet during the War of 1812. This final battle took place on September 13-14, 1814 and marked one of the culminating battles of the war.
During that overnight battle is when Francis Scott Key penned his poem entitled “The Star Spangled Banner.” That poem was eventually adopted by President Woodrow Wilson as the standard National Anthem of the United States. But it wasn’t until 1929 that “House Resolution 14” was enacted by Congress naming “The Start Spangled Banner” as the official National Anthem of the United States of America.
Use the links below to browse or shop more of Bill’s photographs of Fort McHenry and the American Flag.
Engine 5292 is seen crossing Warner Street by the Ravens’ Football Stadium.
Photographing near the Warner Street crossing in South Baltimore I caught this CSX 5292 General Electric Evolution Series Locomotive deadheading from the rail yard to who-knows-where. This section of track is the only entrance and egress to the Locust Point terminal and the Riverside Yard of the railroad division of the CSX Corporation in South Baltimore, Maryland. It is a safe place to watch and photograph passing trains and equipment.
CSX Engine 5292 at the Warner Street Crossing Railroad Signal Bridge in South Baltimore
Warner Street is just south of the M&T Bank Stadium, home to Raven’s Football. In the rail photograph below you can actually see how close the stadium is to this railroad/street crossing. This “environmentally friendly” engine produces about 4,000 horsepower is one of the most efficient locomotives on rails today.
CSX Engine 5292 with Ravens’ Football M&T Bank Stadium in the background
So what is the “CSX” in the name depict? In 1980 the Chessie System merged with the Seaboard Coast Line and formed the CSX Corporation. Word has it that the “X” is the “multiplier” math symbol and gives the merged companies a multiple of size, strength and service.
Click the links to see more detail and and to shop for wall art and/or a variety of home decor items imprinted with these photographs.
Observe above, in wide-angle, the beauty of a CSX Locomotive 5292 General Electric Evolution Series. Engine 5292 is seen crossing Warner Street by the Ravens’ Football Stadium in South Baltimore, Maryland. This photograph is one way to bring back vivid memories of Baltimore’s past and present.
How Downtown Baltimore looked nearly two decades ago.
This Baltimore Inner Harbor photograph is one of the most popular, as being one of the first images to be sold multiple times over the nearly 20 years since the Baltimore City skyline looked this way. What differences could you see today – if you were to trek to the top of Federal Hill Park in South Baltimore to view this vista in person?
The same image is also available in a black and white presentation. This view emphasized the lines and shape of the city skyline as opposed to making an overall statement in color. A lot can be said for black and white images in a contemporary setting, such as a modern home or an office. Especially an office in one of the buildings in this nearly two decade old photograph
This image has appeared in countless conference pamphlets over the years, it is in print in a book on Urban Geography by the Harvard University Press and was even used by the City of Baltimore at a “sister cities” conference in The Netherlands.
Notes: The decade-old photograph of the famous Baltimore Inner Harbor is a compilation of four images “stitched” together, yet is still relevant today. There are some differences over the last dozen or so years. Can you spot them? Imagine the differences from the time Fort McHenry defended Baltimore during the War of 1812. Imagine how this city might appear if the British Invasion was not thwarted.
Photographs of an iconic skyscraper and an historical ship in the Baltimore Inner Harbor.
Baltimore’s World Trade Center on Pratt Street in downtown Baltimore stands tall above the historic USS Constellation, the only surviving ship from the Civil War era, in the famous Inner Harbor.
This photograph of two of Baltimore’s best-known landmarks is also available in a black and white presentation.
Here is where to see larger images and browse wall art and home decor items.
The Baltimore World Trade Center stands tall above the historic Constellation in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. It offers stunning views of the harbor, downtown Baltimore and beyond.
What do you see? In this image, the Baltimore World Trade Center stands tall above the historic USS Constellation. The Baltimore’s WTC stands 400 feet above this Maryland city’s waterfront promenade.
At the top of the Baltimore World Trade Center is an observation deck. While you’re there, you might want to check out the nearby USS Constellation, a former Navy ship that later became a museum and attraction in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Both are excellent photo opportunities–the former for a picture-perfect view of Baltimore and the latter because it’s way cool.
You’ve been burning the midnight oil but now it’s time to take a break. After grabbing a quick snack, you decide to take the elevator up to the observation deck of Baltimore’s World Trade Center. Wow, what a view! It almost seems like you are floating above the city in some kind of tall ship. Below you can see the historic Constellation and the Domino Sugars sign off in the distance. Across the water, on the south shore, you can see the tall and grassy Federal Hill Park that overlooks the Inner Harbor. You head back down to your hotel room (office, apartment) and smile as you notice everyone seems to be smiling as well.
The World Trade Center, designed by architectural firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, is the crown jewel of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The juxtaposition between this contemporary building and the adjacent historic buildings—including the National Aquarium—adds to its grandeur. The World Trade Center was featured in the 2014 movie The Fault in Our Stars.
The Baltimore World Trade Center and USS Constellation wall art is a must-have piece of Baltimore memorabilia. Our photo print is available as a ready to hang poster, a photo blanket, a travel mug and more.
Dramatic and graceful, the wonderful work of architecture is one of Baltimore’s most beloved landmarks. Its unique spherical observation deck is located a third of the way up the building, with windows that offer extraordinary views of the harbor, city, and surrounding areas.
