Federal Hill Park

Federal Hill Park is a 10.3 acres park located in Baltimore, Maryland on the south shore of the Inner Harbor. The park is a signature Baltimore landmark and offers visitors one of the best views in the city.^[1] The Federal Hill neighborhood is named for the prominent hill that is bounded by Key Highway to the North, Battery Avenue to the West, Warren Avenue to the South, and Covington Street to the East. Baltimore city acquired the hill in 1880, establishing it as a city park.^[2]

History

John Smith’s Hill

The first Anglo Saxon to discover Federal Hill Park was the celebrated English Colonial Settler Captain John Smith (1580-1631). In June 1608, Smith sailed from Jamestown up the Chesapeake Bay for a 19-day journey that ended with a voyage up the Patapsco River. It was there that Smith reported seeing "a great red bank of clay flanking a natural harbor basin." Early Baltimore settlers referred to this area as "John Smith’s Hill".^[3]

The Federalist

In May 1788, Baltimoreans paraded through the streets to celebrate the State of Maryland’s ratification of the United States Constitution. The parade featured a 15-foot model of a fully rigged sailing ship named the "Federalist" that was to be installed atop John Smith’s Hill. The day turned into quite a celebration; the thousands of celebrants were treated to "untold quantities" of grog, toddy, beef, ham, and cheese, financed by leading Baltimore business scions. Revelers were having so much fun that they opted to slide the Federalist down the hill and launch it from the Inner Harbor to Annapolis. This celebration was so legendary that Baltimoreans renamed ‘John Smith’s Hill’ in tribute to the party boat. Hence the origin of the Park’s name: Federal Hill.^[4]

Observatory

Federal Hill’s spectacular views were first put to commercial use in 1795 when, in cooperation with the Maritime Exchange, Captain David Porter established a "marine observatory" and signal tower on the site. The tower provided a panorama that stretched a good 15 miles or more down the Patapsco River. Spotting an incoming ship, the watchman would unfurl the observatory’s "house flag" to alert the merchants and ship owners at the Maritime Exchange of an imminent arrival.^[5]

Fort Federal Hill and the Battle of Baltimore

A military battery was built on Federal Hill in anticipation of an attack by sea from the British.^[6] Although there was never an attack, on September 12, 1814, 3,000 British landed at North Point and marched north and west to attack the city. That night, they reached the Hill where 10,000 Americans, under the leadership of Major General Samuel Smith, blocked the invading army’s path. A statue commemorating this important victory adorns the north side of Federal Hill Park today. On September 13, British ships began firing at Fort McHenry; Major George Armistead and 1,000 patriot defenders retaliated with their cannons, when the British ships sailed within range. Realizing their attack on the city had failed, the British sailed down river to North Point to pick up their retreating soldiers. The Battle of Baltimore was over. A memorial to Armistead and his brave troops now occupies the northeast corner of Federal Hill Park, as it has since 1885.^[7]

Civil War

The hill gained notoriety during the Civil War when Federal Hill was once again converted to military use in as the 6th Massachusetts Regiment and elements of Cook’s Light Artillery occupied Federal Hill under the command of General Benjamin F. Butler. In 1861, against Washington’s orders, Butler and his men erected a small fort, with cannon pointing towards the central business district.^[8] Their goal was to guarantee the allegiance of the city and the state of Maryland, whose loyalty to the North was in some doubt. The Union finally encircled the existing military installation with a wall and for the duration of the Civil War, the property was referred to as Fort Federal Hill. A large flag, a few cannon, and a small Grand Army of the Republic monument remain to testify to this period of the hill’s history.

19th and 20th Century

For much of the 19th century, the Federal Hill shore shared with Fell's Point the city's thriving shipping trade and related industries. Federal Hill itself was mined for sand for a nearby glassworks, leaving behind some caverns which exist to this day and are a favorite subject of legends.^[9] Modern Federal Hill was born in the 1960s, when a few hardy pioneers bought and began renovating homes in what had become a forgotten neighborhood. Federal Hill was threatened in the mid-60 by plans for an interstate highway. Residents rebelled, joined hands across the harbor, and eventually quashed the plans.^[10]

The rebuilding of the Inner Harbor area in the late 70s and early 80s greatly increased interest in Federal Hill as an enclave of intimate residential streets within minutes of the city’s business and entertainment heart. Due to the traffic and development, particularly at the foot of the Hill along Key Highway and Covington Street, the Hill has collapsed at least twice during the last 10 years, requiring the City to fund major reconstructive efforts to preserve Federal Hill Park.

One refurbishment project was completed in 1995 and in 2000, the park was rededicated after a nearly $2 million stabilization project to combat an erosion problem.

Present Day

Today, Federal Hill Park captures one of the most iconic views of the Inner Harbor. The "great red bank of clay" is now a big green hillside, graced by picnickers and star-gazers. Monuments commemorating history enhance the Park, cannons that once manned at Fort Federal Hill during the Civil War are featured, as well, embellishing the serene promenade that spectacularly overlooks the downtown cityscape. Bikers, hikers and parents behind strollers are common in the park.^[11]

The history and prominence of Federal Hill, combined with its proximity to downtown, make it a truly amazing park setting. The neighborhood group South Harbor Renaissance was formed to help the City of Baltimore improve Federal Hill Park through leadership and fundraising. Its members inspired the new Flag Staff Plaza, dedicated by Gov. O'Malley on June 14, 2012 (Flag Day) and the replacement of the existing playground with miniature "historic icons" that reflect Baltimore's and Maryland's unique history—including "The Federalist" ship, the Signal Hill Tower, a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad engine and roundhouse, and Fort Federal Hill.

Recreation

Features such as the basketball court (recently renovated by Baltimore-based Under Armour sportswear), Rash Field with a variety of events and activities, including beach volleyball, and a gated kids playground area are just a sampling of what makes Federal Hill Park a worthwhile city destination for recreation as well as leisure.^[12]

References