~Pride of Baltimore~

In early 19^th century America no other type of sailing ship better captured the spirit of a young nation than Baltimore Clipper.  These small fast ships were developed in the northern Chesapeake as foretopsail schooners, which carry 8 to 10 guns.  As privateers, they completely out-sailed the British Navy during the War of 1812.

In 1974 Baltimore city officials decided to build a replica of a 19^th century clipper to serve as a goodwill ambassador for the city.  The ship, named The Pride of Baltimore was launched at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on Feburary 27, 1977.  The name capture the spirit of the phoenix-like town.  She was lost at the sea during a hurricane on May 14, 1986.  The city commissioned a larger sister-ship, and The Pride of Baltimore II was launched on April 30, 1989.