Seal of Baltimore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seal of Baltimore, Maryland |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Armiger | City of Baltimore |
| Adopted | 1827 |
| Torse | "CITY OF BALTIMORE - 1797" |
| Blazon | Battle Monument |
| Use | To represent the city and to authenticate certain edicts and documents. |
The Seal of Baltimore is the official symbol of the city of Baltimore, Maryland. It helps represent the city and makes official documents real. This seal was first used in 1827. It might have been inspired by a speech from President John Quincy Adams. He visited Baltimore in 1827 and called it "The Monumental City." This was because many new monuments were being built, like the Battle Monument and the Washington Monument.
Contents
What Does the Baltimore City Seal Look Like?
The seal is shaped like an oval. In the middle of the seal, you can see a picture of the Battle Monument.
The Battle Monument: A Symbol of History
The Battle Monument was designed by J. Maximilian Godefroy. It was built between 1815 and 1822. This monument honors the people who were hurt or died during the War of 1812.
The War of 1812 and Baltimore's Defense
In September 1814, the British attacked Baltimore. This was called the Battle of Baltimore.
- British soldiers fought on land at the Battle of North Point.
- The Royal Navy ships bombed Fort McHenry.
- Fort McHenry protected Baltimore's harbor and the Patapsco River.
- The Americans successfully defended the city.
What Words and Colors Are on the Seal?
Around the edge of the seal, you can read the words CITY OF BALTIMORE. Below the picture of the Battle Monument, you will see the year "1797". This is the year Baltimore officially became a city.
The Meaning of the Colors
The seal often uses black and gold colors. These colors come from the coat of arms of the Calvert family.
The Calvert Family and Maryland's Founding
- George Calvert was given land for the colony of Province of Maryland by King Charles I.
- After George Calvert died, his son, Cecilius Calvert, continued the plan.
- Cecilius sent his brother, Leonard Calvert, to be the first governor of Maryland in 1634.
- The Calvert family also had a noble title from a town in Ireland, also named Baltimore.
How the Seal is Used Today
The Seal of Baltimore is engraved on a metal die. This die is used to make raised impressions on official city documents. You can also see the seal on city signs, publications, and vehicles.
The City Logo: A Modern Symbol
In the 2010s, a new official City Logo was created. This logo is round and features the Battle Monument. It also uses black and gold chevron patterns. These patterns come from the Calvert family's shield, which is also seen on the Maryland state flag and the Baltimore city flag. The city logo also says "CITY OF BALTIMORE" but does not include the "1797" date.
