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Federal Hill Park looms high above the inner harbor in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore. The park is well known for its stunning views of Baltimore’s downtown and Harbor East skylines along with the Patapsco River and is very popular place for photographs. This iconic park is well used by the residents of Federal Hill along with tourists and it has a rich history. Given the advantage of the park’s high perch looking over the Patapsco River, the park land served as a defensive position for Union troops during the War of 1812 and as a fort for Union troops in the Civil War.

Federal Hill Park is relatively small at only 8.5 acres at its base and 4.5 acres at its plateau. The flat upper portion of the park is dominated by a unique, very well maintained playground and (mostly) shaded lawns surrounded by walking paths on the perimeter to take in the gorgeous views. Another tiered walking / jogging path surrounds a lower tier of the park with a basketball court at the bottom.

For residents and tourists alike, Federal Hill Park is a worthy destination for a visit. Considering it is just across the street from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and located near the trendy restaurants and bars in Federal Hill, it is a very convenient place to stop for some great views of Baltimore.

LOCATION

If you are visiting Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the park is hard to miss as it sits high above the harbor with a huge American flag.

To drive directly to the park, you can find street parking at the intersection of Battery Avenue and Warren Avenue. Fair warning – street parking is notoriously difficult to find on weekends as the Federal Hill neighborhood is extremely popular for its bar and restaurant scene.

BRIEF HISTORY OF FEDERAL HILL PARK

Federal Hill was described as early as 1608 when explorer and Jamestown settler, Captain John Smith sailed up the Patapsco River to what is now Baltimore. Smith described Federal Hill as “a great red bank of clay flanking a natural harbor basin.” Today, that clay is now manicured grass on a steep green hillside.

In 1797, the high perch of the land was used for maritime monitoring of ships entering the harbor. The Maritime Exchange named this observatory the Baltimore Telegraph which allowed observers using a telescope to give advance notice of approaching ships. Once a positive identification was made, signal flags would be erected so business owners in the area could prepare themselves in advance of the ship’s arrival.

Federal Hill was used twice during war times. First was in 1814 when a battery was erected to repel an anticipated British invasion during the War of 1812. The invasion never occurred as the British army and navy were turned away at Fort McHenry and Hampstead Hill (which is now part of Patterson Park) before it could reach Federal Hill.

The second military use of Federal Hill was during the Civil War. Signage at Federal Hill Park indicates that in 1861, Federal Hill was used as Union stronghold meant to control pro-Southern citizens among Baltimore’s population. At one point, a fort was erected that was capable of housing 1,000 soldiers.

In 1880, Baltimore City purchased Federal Hill and changed its use from a commercial and war time asset to a public park. Since that time, Federal Hill Park has remained an important and picturesque part of Baltimore City’s park system.

THE TUNNELS OF FEDERAL HILL PARK

Underneath Federal Hill Park are a series of tunnels. These tunnels were originally created to mine clay and sand for potters and brick makers. During the War of 1812, an additional tunnel was also dug from a wharf at the waterfront to the Northern side of the hill. Over the years, some of these tunnels have collapsed causing damage to the hillside of the park. Unfortunately, the tunnels are not accessible to the public.

AMENITIES

Federal Hill Park is relatively small, but it has some passive amenities, a couple of recreational amenities and a few historic amenities. Mostly, the park is revered for its breathtaking views and used for strolling around the lawns on cement pathways ringing the park or using the dedicated playground space.

Passive Amenities

1. The Views

Federal Hill Park’s main attraction is its amazing views. Below are a couple of pictures from the top of the park, but the views are more impressive in person.

2. Lawn

The top of Federal Hill Park is mostly lawns ringed by sidewalks and park benches. The lawn is a great place to relax under shaded trees, have a picnic or engage in light recreation.

Recreational Amenities

1. Playground

Federal Hill Park has a large fenced in playground area for children. A picture of the playground equipment is below. This playground is well used and well maintained and was designed around historic elements of the park – the shipping industry, the Baltimore Telegraph observatory and Fort Federal Hill along with a B&O Railroad themed play equipment.

2. Basketball Court

On the east side of the park at the bottom of the hill near the Visionary Arts Museum is a basketball court. The court was constructed by Under Armor and has a unique playing surface. It’s hard to describe, but the surface appears to be plastic matting with small holes in it to prevent flooding during a rain. Although unique, it is well kept and the surface allows for the normal grip of basketball shoes. The court is full sized, fully fenced and well maintained. The below picture is missing the basketball rim because it was taken down due to COVID-19 restrictions. Rims are expected to be replaced in July 2020.

Historical Amenities

1. Colonel George Armistead Monument

Erected in 1882, this monument is dedicated to Colonel George Armistead for his gallant defense of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. At the time, Armistead was the commander of Fort McHenry and was able to withstand the British bombardment. He remained commander of the fort until his death in 1818.

2. General Samuel Smith Monument

General Samuel Smith fought in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. In the War of 1812, General Smith was in charge of 13,000 troops in the protection of Baltimore. After the wars, General Smith became a congressman and then a Senator.

SOUTH HARBOR RENAISSANCE

South Harbor Renaissance helps preserve and enhance Federal Hill Park by partnering with other community organizations and Baltimore City. By the looks of the park, South Harbor Renaissance has done a great job ensuring proper maintenance and care of the park and its equipment and monuments. Their website contains a list of $800,000 worth of improvements they brought to the park along with those other organizations they work with to make sure that Federal Hill Park remains an asset for Baltimore residents and tourists.

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