People who inhabit one of the more bustling metropolises in the country might not really know much about the things that shaped Baltimore. Baltimore City (not a part of Baltimore County that surrounds it), has seen many things in its life as a city throughout the ages. For those of us who live in the city or plan to visit it, there's a lot of things to discover about this town. 1. Baltimore was Once the Second Largest port city for Incoming Immigrants The nineteenth century saw growth in America in unprecedented numbers. One of the gateways for this mass movement of people was Baltimore. Second only to New York City, Baltimore saw thousands of people pass through the city into the country throughout the course of a day. Imagine what would be the implications for self-storage in Baltimore if it were to take place today! 2. The Birthplace of American Railroad One of the most notable early railroad companies, B&O Railroad (which stood for Baltimore and Ohio Railroad) was established in 1828 and served as the country's very first commercial railroad with long-distance track. They also managed to establish the country's first passenger station as well, a prelude to the railroads that came after them, shuttling hundreds of thousands of passengers around the continental United States. 3. The Home of America's First Cathedral Completed in 1821, after almost two decades of construction, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands as the first ever cathedral built in the United States. It demonstrates the neoclassical style of architecture, displaying a cross layout that is common of churches and cathedrals. The interior design gives a nod to the Latin home of the Catholic church whilst the exterior is definitely Greek with its Ionic columns and the classical Greek portico. It stands as a testament of the enduring nature of Baltimore's architectural heritage. Although some residents of Baltimore know about these facts, many people don't. Even those who only come into the city for the purpose of sourcing self-storage in Baltimore for a long or short term situation may not be aware of the rich cultural and historical significance of the city. At the end of the day, it's interesting to see how the city has impacted on the growth and development of the country as a whole. US Storage Centers 5117 Belair Road Baltimore, MD 21206 (410) 929-2939