Canton, Baltimore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Canton
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Neighborhood of Baltimore
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| City | Baltimore |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 10,826 |
| • Density | 13,802/sq mi (5,329/km2) |
| Demonym(s) | Cantonite |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT |
| ZIP code |
21224
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| Area code | 410, 443, and 667 |
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Canton Historic District
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O'Donnell Square
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 Location in Baltimore
Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | Eastern Ave. and Waterfront, Conkling, and Chester Sts., Baltimore, Maryland |
| Area | 350 acres (140 ha) |
| Built | 1828 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001784 |
| Added to NRHP | January 29, 1980 |
Canton is a lively waterfront neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland. It's located in the southeastern part of the city. This area is about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of downtown Baltimore. It is close to other neighborhoods like Patterson Park and Fell's Point.
Canton is known for being a popular and active neighborhood. Many families live here, enjoying its urban feel and social spots. The area has grown a lot since the late 1990s. It has become a very desirable place to live.
Contents
Discovering Canton's Past
Canton has a rich history that dates back to the 1700s. Learn how this area got its unique name.
How Canton Got Its Name
In 1785, an Irish merchant named John O'Donnell came to Baltimore. He traded goods with merchants in China. The Chinese port city he traded with was Guangzhou, which English speakers called Canton. When O'Donnell bought land in Baltimore, he named his new property "Canton" after that faraway port.
Early Development and Workers
Later, O'Donnell's son, Columbus O’Donnell, along with William Patterson and Peter Cooper, sold the land. They developed it for factories and homes for workers. This helped Canton grow into an industrial area.
Immigrants Who Built Canton
In the early 1800s, many European immigrants moved to Canton.
- Welsh people from South Wales arrived in large numbers starting in the 1820s.
- Irish workers also came to Baltimore.
- These groups made up a big part of the city's working class.
- By 1850, many copper workers from Wales settled here. They even built a Presbyterian church in 1865.
- Other groups included Germans and Poles.
Canton Today: From Industry to Community
As industries moved out in the 2000s, Canton changed. New homes and boat docks were built along the waterfront. Older homes were also improved. This made Canton a modern and popular place to live.
Where is Canton?
Understanding Canton's location helps you explore the neighborhood.
Canton's Borders
Canton has clear boundaries that define it.
- To the north, it's bordered by Patterson Park and Eastern Avenue.
- Chester Street is its western border.
- The waterfront forms its southern edge.
- Conkling Street is to the east.
Most streets run north-south and east-west. However, Boston Street follows the Patapsco River waterfront.
Getting Around Canton
Canton offers many ways to travel, making it easy to explore.
Roads and Public Transit
Canton is easy to reach by car. It has good access to Interstate 95 and Interstate 895. Boston Street and Eastern Avenue are main roads to downtown Baltimore. Two MTA bus lines, Gold and Navy, serve Canton. They offer direct routes to the city center and Penn Station.
Water Taxi Service
If you want a different way to travel, try the water taxi. It connects the south waterfront area of Canton to Locust Point. It's a fun way to see the harbor!
Fun Places and Landmarks in Canton
Canton is full of interesting spots and activities for everyone.
O'Donnell Square: The Heart of Canton
The main center of Canton is O'Donnell Square. It's a small park surrounded by streets. You'll find many lively restaurants, shops, and homes here. It's a great place to hang out with friends or family.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
Canton is next to Patterson Park, a large and popular park. It's perfect for outdoor activities. Canton also has its own waterfront park. The Canton Waterfront Park is home to the Maryland Korean War Memorial. For dog lovers, the Canton Dog Park opened in 2002. It was Baltimore's first off-leash dog park.
Cool Buildings and Attractions
Many buildings in Canton are part of the Canton Historic District. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
- The American Can Company building has been updated.
- The Du Burns Soccer Arena is a popular sports spot.
- There are two marinas and a public boat launch.
- You can also find new restaurants and bars.
Canton's branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library is on O’Donnell Square. It has been open since 1866.
Festivals and Events
Canton hosts many fun events throughout the year.
- Food and wine festivals are popular.
- Light Night Canton is a special event.
- Baltimore's annual Ukrainian-American festival takes place here.
- Summer concert series offer great music.
- It's a fantastic spot to watch July 4th fireworks over Baltimore Harbor.
Shopping and Unique Sights
For shopping, The Shops at Canton Crossing opened in 2013. It has major stores like Target. You can also see Professor Trash Wheel. This unique trash interceptor helps clean the harbor. It has fun googly eyes and has been working since 2016.
Historic Churches
Canton is home to several notable churches.
- The St. Casimir (Roman Catholic) Church was built around 1926.
- The St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church is also in the area.
- The Episcopal Church on the Square is another historic building.
Homes in Canton
Most houses in Canton are rowhouses built around the early 1900s. These are two or three stories tall. Some homes near the waterfront are even older, from the time of the Civil War. Many of these old homes are still in great condition. Recently, new townhouses and luxury apartments have been built. These modern homes are often in renovated old industrial buildings.
Who Lives in Canton?
Canton is home to a diverse group of people. In 2010, about 11,398 people lived here. Most residents are White, but there are also African American, Asian, and other groups. Canton is known for having a high median household income compared to other Baltimore neighborhoods.
Images for kids
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Enoch Pratt Free Library branch
