Paddle the Baltimore Blueway

Trail Overview The Baltimore Blueway is a network of water trails and public access points for non-motorized craft that connects cultural, historic, and natural sites throughout the Baltimore waterfront, promoting an exciting new way to experience the city. Choose from 30 miles of trails in the Inner Harbor, Outer Harbor, Middle Branch, and Patapsco River. Imagine yourself gliding alongside historic ships, seeing the skyline from the water, and paddling around Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Take a selfie with Mr. Trash Wheel or immerse yourself in nature surrounded by wetlands and wildlife. Nowhere else in the Chesapeake Bay can you find such a diverse range of awe-inspiring paddling experiences within a 3-mile radius. History European Contact & Indigenous People of America In 1608, Captain John Smith traveled 210 miles from Jamestown to the uppermost northern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay, leading the first European expedition to the Patapsco River. The name "Patapsco" is derived from pota-psk-ut, which translates to "backwater" or "tide covered with froth" in the Algonquian dialect. Founding of Baltimore In 1730, Baltimore was established on the north side of the Inner Basin of the Patapsco River. This area is known today as the Inner Harbor. After Baltimore's founding, the waterfront developed into dry docks, warehouses, ship chandlers, and various industries. The War of 1812 After crushing the Americans at Bladensburg and invading the nation’s capital, the British targeted Baltimore. If they could capture the city---the third largest in the United States and a commercial and shipbuilding hub---they could likely bring the war to an end. Military and civilians, including free and enslaved African Americans, rallied to fend off the British. On September 12-14, 1814, the British attacked by land from North Point and by water at Fort McHenry on the Patapsco River. The impressive American defenses and the failure to capture Fort McHenry forced the British to withdraw, essentially ending the Chesapeake Campaign of 1814. The Battle of Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that would become America's national anthem. The site is now Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The Baltimore Blueway is managed by Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. Learn more about the water trails at: baltimoreblueway.org