Fells Point, Baltimore

Fells Point was our final stop during our walk (and Uber) in Inner Harbor, Baltimore. We wanted to go to this area to visit a location that is listed as one of the final stops of Edgar Allan Poe. We found even more history in the area when we were there.

We put together a video about our walk from our hotel down to Fells Point when we were in Baltimore. The end of the following video will show you some information about Fells Point and the historical significance of the area.

Fells Point is one of the oldest and most storied neighborhoods in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1763 by English Quaker shipbuilder William Fell, the area quickly developed into a bustling maritime hub due to its deep-water harbor and strategic location along the Patapsco River. Fell saw enormous potential in the peninsula, and his foresight laid the foundation for what would become a thriving shipbuilding and commercial district.

During the 18th and early 19th centuries, Fells Point became known for building some of the fastest ships of the era—Baltimore Clippers. These sleek, agile vessels were highly sought after for both trade and privateering, especially during the War of 1812. Many of the privateers that harassed British ships during the war were built and launched from Fells Point, giving the area a reputation for maritime excellence and rebellious spirit.

The neighborhood rapidly transformed into a vibrant hub of diverse cultures and industries. It attracted immigrants from around the world, particularly Germans, Poles, Irish, and African Americans, who came to work in the shipyards, warehouses, and docks. This diversity gave rise to a vibrant community filled with varied languages, traditions, and cuisines that still define Fells Point today.

Fells Point was also a significant center for the slave trade in the 18th century. The docks were used for both importing and exporting goods, including enslaved people. In later years, however, the area played a role in the Underground Railroad, and its winding alleys and tight-knit community helped shelter those escaping slavery. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass spent time in Fells Point as a young enslaved man working in the shipyards.

By the late 19th century, the rise of industrialization saw a shift in Fells Point’s identity. Shipbuilding declined, but the area remained vital due to its warehouses and piers, which supported a wide array of trades. However, as industries modernized and moved elsewhere, the neighborhood began to decline economically in the early 20th century, becoming rundown and neglected.

Despite the decline, Fells Point retained its historic character. Many of its 18th- and 19th-century buildings, including cobblestone streets, brick row homes, and taverns, remained intact. In the 1960s, a proposed highway threatened to destroy much of the neighborhood. A grassroots preservation effort led by residents and activists successfully stopped the project, saving Fells Point’s unique architecture and character.

This victory served as a pivotal moment, ushering in a new era of revitalization. Historic preservationists, artists, and entrepreneurs began restoring the neighborhood, transforming old buildings into shops, restaurants, and galleries. By the 1980s and 1990s, Fells Point had become one of Baltimore’s most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike.

The neighborhood’s charm lies in its authenticity. Unlike manufactured tourist areas, Fells Point’s appeal comes from its genuine sense of history and community. Visitors can still walk the same cobbled streets where sailors, merchants, and shipbuilders once worked, or enjoy a drink in taverns that date back over two centuries.

Fells Point has also made appearances in popular culture, most notably in the TV series *Homicide: Life on the Street*. Its atmospheric streets and waterfront views make it a popular backdrop for film and television. This exposure helped fuel even more interest in the neighborhood’s rich past and vibrant present.

Today, Fells Point continues to thrive as a historic and cultural landmark. Its mix of old-world architecture and modern energy reflects Baltimore’s broader narrative—resilient, diverse, and full of stories. Whether you’re exploring its museums, enjoying live music, or simply watching the boats glide by on the harbor, Fells Point remains a living monument to the city’s maritime heritage.