Baltimore Black History Walking Tour: Discover Civil Rights Landmarks
See more
Explore Baltimore’s rich Black history on this engaging 2-hour walking tour through the city’s most significant sites. Walk the streets where stories of slavery, resistance, and freedom intertwine, revealing a side of Baltimore often hidden in plain sight.
With expert storytelling and archival insights, you'll learn about legendary figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, as well as the Black communities that helped shape the nation. This tour offers a vivid, place-based look at Baltimore’s pivotal role in American history.
Designed for all ages and physical fitness levels, the experience offers a meaningful way to connect with history while enjoying Baltimore’s vibrant waterfront and historic neighborhoods.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Baltimore Black History Walking Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with a break in the middle for rest and refreshments.
What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is conducted in English.
Is the tour suitable for children and infants?
Yes. Infants can ride in strollers or prams, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels. It’s appropriate for children aged 5 and up, and infants 0-4 are welcome.
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a digital companion called Taste of Freedom, historic images and archival materials, and expert-guided storytelling at 14 historic locations.
Are food, transportation, or parking included?
No. Food and beverages, parking fees, and transportation to and from the meeting point are not included.
Can I cancel my booking and get a refund?
Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour time. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable, and the tour may be canceled due to bad weather.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable. The tour may be canceled due to bad weather.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Taste of Freedom: Baltimore Digital Companion
- Historic images and archival materials
- Expert-guided Baltimore Black history walking experience
- Storytelling at 14 historic locations
Not included
- Food and beverages
- Parking fees
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
Discover Baltimore’s Inner Harbor as the starting point for a deeper story of the city. Learn how this waterfront connected America to the world through commerce, ships, and railroads, and why these streets became a crossroads of slavery, resistance, and revolution.
-
Stop 2
Stand at Bowley’s Wharf and uncover a hidden chapter of Baltimore’s waterfront. In the 19th century, these busy wharves linked Baltimore to global trade and the domestic slave trade, transporting Black men, women, and children south. Hear stories of enslaved people, free Black sailors, and merchants along the waterfront.
-
Stop 3
Stand at Smith’s Wharf, where Frederick Douglass first landed in Baltimore as an 8-year-old in 1826. Discover how arriving here shaped his path toward freedom and the city’s role in his life.
-
Stop 4
Stand at Dugan’s Wharf, where Harriet Tubman’s daring rescue of Tilly took place in 1856. Learn how Tubman used Baltimore’s harbor and Black networks to help enslaved people escape.
-
Stop 5
Explore President Street Station, a key transportation hub. Discover how it played a role in Frederick Douglass’s 1838 escape and the Civil War’s early days.
-
Stop 6
Visit Slemmers Alley, linked to Tubman’s Underground Railroad work. Learn how this neighborhood served as a refuge and planning space for her rescues.
-
Stop 7
Stand at O’Donnell’s Wharf, where the slave trade operated openly. Discover how slavery was embedded in Baltimore’s waterfront economy.
-
Stop 8
The tour is split into two sections, with a midpoint break at the Baltimore Visitor Center for rest and refreshments before continuing.
-
Stop 9
Visit the site of Sharp Street African Methodist Church, founded in 1787. Learn about its role in faith, education, and resistance, and its influence on figures like Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.
-
Stop 10
Stand at Lilly’s Tavern to learn about Nicholas “Nick” Biddle, the first man to shed blood in the Civil War, and his journey through Baltimore during the conflict.
-
Stop 11
Visit the site of Hope H. Slatter’s slave jail, where enslaved people were held before sale. Discover how some gained freedom here in 1863 and went on to fight for abolition.
-
Stop 12
At Camden Station, follow Nicholas Biddle’s route during the 1861 riot. See how a confrontation over slavery and Union unfolded at this historic train station.
-
Stop 13
Stand at Bernard M. Campbell’s slave pen, where Union forces freed enslaved people in 1863. Learn how some of these individuals later fought for freedom in the U.S. Colored Troops.
-
Stop 14
Return to Baltimore’s waterfront to reflect on the stories of resistance, freedom, and community. Conclude with a discussion about Baltimore’s hidden stories of Black liberation.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the Baltimore Visitor Center
Guests will meet their guide outside the Baltimore Visitor Center at 401 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, located in the Inner Harbor. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. The guide will meet the group near the main entrance.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour for a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable. The tour may be canceled due to bad weather.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day before
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours
- Tour may be canceled for bad weather
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $59.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
