In 1706, Maryland’s colonial legislators designated Whetstone Point, near where Fort McHenry now sits, as an official Port of Entry for the state’s tobacco trade with England – the basis of the Port’s 300th anniversary celebration in 2006. As the century progressed, five small ports – all within a few miles of each other – would merge to become the Port of Baltimore, which has since matured into a world-class maritime center whose public and private operations consume 45 miles of shoreline and 3403.25 waterfront acres. During the 2006 celebration of the Port’s 300th anniversary, the Port’s extended community intends to elevate public awareness to the same high level as the Port’s widespread economic impact.

From automobiles to zinc, from Akron to Zhenjiang, the maritime center handles more than 40 million tons annually of all types of cargo from around the world.

As the closest Atlantic port to America’s mid-West markets, the Port of Baltimore is a convenient overnight drive for 2/3 of the nation’s population. The Port of Baltimore is connected to major markets by major highway arteries – all general cargo terminals lie within 2.5 miles of major interstate highways.

The Port of Baltimore’s economic engine has a substantial regional impact, generating
$2 billion in revenue annually, and employing 19,000 Marylanders in direct jobs, and another 87,000 in indirect and maritime-related occupations.

To celebrate the 300 years that the Port of Baltimore has served Maryland and the world, the Port of Baltimore Tricentennial Committee, the Maryland Port Administration, public and private port terminals, partner organizations and sponsors are coordinating efforts to create and implement marketing and promotional campaigns, special events, exhibits and activities throughout 2006. For more information about upcoming events, click on Events Throughout the Year. To learn more about partnerships and sponsorships, visit Contact Information. For more information on how to support the Port of Baltimore, please visit Donation Information.