LOCUST POINT: The neighborhood of Locust Point in many ways is quintessential Baltimore. Its place in American history has been well documented and can be heard at every sporting event in our country in the form of our national anthem. The Star Spangled Banner recounts the War of 1812 victory of American defenders at Fort McHenry which is located at the eastern edge of the neighborhood. The blocks of handsome 19th century rowhomes are iconic of this traditionally working class city. Part of the vital Port of Baltimore calls Locust Point its home. The community’s once dominant industrial purpose is still maintained by venerable Domino Sugar and newcomer Under Armour. The relative urban isolation on the South Baltimore peninsula, cut off by train tracks even from its neighbors Riverside & Federal Hill, make it feel like a town within a city, more so than many other quasi-independent feeling communities in this city of neighborhoods. One might conclude that the deindustrialization of Baltimore would have signaled a death knell to an industrial place like Locust Point. If it wasn’t for how tightly-knit this community has been and its location near the Inner Harbor, it might have been. However, while retaining its blue collar roots, it has also evolved into a historic looking modern neighborhood, much like adjacent Riverside and Federal Hill which share the peninsula. Well, part of it has. Along the edges of the community a very different type of development has occurred. Vacant land and waterfront, abandoned by industry, have been repurposed into gentrified neighborhoods including much shopping and higher end housing, with architectural nods to the region’s past, thankfully. Still the mix can be jarring. McHenry Row could almost be a suburban mixed-use complex and the waterfront neighborhood of Harborview, while incorporating some visual cues from the older surrounding area, gives a much different, new wealth vibe that stands out from the rest of the community. (Developers of new waterfront neighborhoods really need to be more creative in such a quirky city such as Baltimore. Harbor East, Harbor Point, Harborview… really???) Despite that however there is some cohesiveness. Perhaps Locust Point’s old Eastern European sense of community has allowed the seemingly disparate parts to come together, even if imperfectly. Yes the harborfront areas might be Millennial Mile but many of them work at Under Armour (or wear it, as everyone seems to in this city), thus contributing their full life to this community. The waterfront also provides wonderful ferry connections to the other parts of the city through Canton & Fells Point, so while it might feel like an independent cast off from the rest of the city, the experience of the patriots at Fort McHenry show how vital and connected this area is to the success of Baltimore.
RIDGELY’S DELIGHT: As I’ve explored and written about neighborhoods in Charm City, it has occurred to me that some I’ve described as hiding in plain sight: Bolton Hill, Little Italy, Riverside. None may be more central and hidden though than Ridgely’s Delight. It is very visible from one of the major gateway thoroughfares into the core of Baltimore (Route 295). It also abuts heavily trafficked Downtown & the Westside. Its Ace though (pun intended) is it’s literally across the street from Camden Yards where thousands of people watch the Orioles! Many fans probably pre & post game drink there and don’t even realize it. When I was an adolescent heading to the Inner Harbor in the family wagon I always wondered what life must be like in that quaint small town we wizzed by off Russell Street. This peaceful former farmstead surrounded by the action must feel like an urban retreat to those who reside within its historic homes, many on tree-lined cobblestone streets. Although containing a small old factory, a museum, and some watering holes this neighborhood is decisively a residential one. Since it is surrounded by activity it can afford to be a quiet respite island, although I’m not sure about on game days. I suppose if you are a Baltimore sports fan this is the perfect neighborhood. You can literally walk to see an Orioles or Ravens game. Oriole Park is visible from almost anywhere. (I wonder what percentage of residents are season ticket holders?) Moreover, if you want to enjoy the game indoors with drunken friends its numerous sports bars are also an easy walk, just be careful not to stumble on uneven cobblestones! Furthermore, if you work at the bustling University of Maryland Baltimore, its Medical Center or Downtown, and want a quiet abode to walk home to, this hidden small town might be perfect.
You captured ‘my’ neighborhood well. I look forward to seeing future posts.