History

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Mount Vernon Place, the historical center of Baltimore City, serves as a monument to the prominence of Baltimore in national and international affairs. In 1809, the initial idea of a tribute to our first president was conceived. Baltimoreans feared this great, tall monument, designed by Robert Mills, would topple on surrounding homes. Therefore, residents agreed to place the structure far outside the city on land donated by the revolutionary war hero John Eager Howard. On November 25, 1829 the first major monument to George Washington was completed.

The design of the four parks is unique, though based on the London residential squares of the Georgian period. In 1831 Howard's heirs deeded land for a four park squares surrounding the monument - followed by building lots facing the squares. In the antebellum era generous-sized homes began to frame the parks. Mount Vernon Place became the best address south of Philadelphia.

Mount Vernon life included well-known personalities from Baltimore, the nation, and the world.

Philanthropists:

George Peabody, Enoch Pratt, Henry Walters, Johns Hopkins

Writers:

John Dos Passos, Henry James, H.L. Meneken, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Lovers:

Wallis Warfield Simpson and the Duke of Windsor,
Betsy Patterson and Jerome Bonaparte

Political Leaders:

Abraham Lincoln, Calvin Coolidge, Woodrow Wilson,
Winston Churchill