The city of Baltimore in the grand state of Maryland has long stood strong in the their demand to make the history of the area, as well as that of the United States, available to citizens and travelers alike. They have had great success with the many museums and historical sites located throughout the scenic Baltimore metropolitan area. One of the many historical legacies of this city, however, seems to stand out above all others when it comes to those traveling through or visiting the city. That is the Baltimore maritime Museum.



This is more than just a building with a bunch of relics and memorabilia from past times. The museum itself is a collection of relics. The Boston Maritime Museum consists of three ships and one other structure. There is the Lightship Chesapeake, the USCGC Taney, the USS Torsk, and the Knoll Lighthouse, each having it's own particular history and story behind it.

The Lightship Chesapeake was constructed in the early 1930's for use in aiding local incoming ships. It was, in short, a guide ship, a boat designed to accent the concept of the lighthouses that have made the Eastern Coast so famous in paintings and murals all over the world. This particular boat has served in many locations, such as Cape Cod, the Chesapeake Bay, and Fenwick Island. During the World War Two era, like many ships of its' type, the Lightship Chesapeake was remodeled and repainted to serve as a vessel of war, though it never actually took part in a battle.

The USCGC Taney, on the other hand, has a completely different take on history. This ship was also constructed in the 1930's, but more towards the middle of the era. It was built for one purpose and that was to serve as a military ship, which it did quite effectively for the United States Coast Guard. The true historical significance of this ship, though, is that of the fateful day when Japanese planes bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The Taney took part in the skirmish, returning fire on the bombers. After all these years, the Taney is the only remaining ship that fought in that battle that is still afloat today. To walk upon the deck of this ship and deep into the halls where troops lived day in and day out is akin to stepping into one of the most important eras of United States History.

While visiting this awe inspiring historical site, you will also get the opportunity to tour the USS Torsk and the Knoll Lighthouse, a real working lighthouse. There are hundreds of sights to see in all of these relics from the past and plenty of fascinating facts to learn that one would never have realized before. If history holds a deep fascination for your, instead of just looking at it, step onboard it at the Baltimore Maritime Museum in Baltimore Maryland. This is the only way that you will ever be able to truly say that you took a cruise into history.