The founding of Baltimore can be traced back to the vision of Charles Calvert, the 5th Baron Baltimore, symbolic of the British colonial endeavor in the New World. As the governor of the Maryland colony, Calvert sought to establish a port town that would serve both as a commercial hub and a center for colonial governance. The location along the Patapsco River was strategically selected for its access to both ocean trade routes and abundant natural resources.

The establishment of the city involved careful planning and surveying, conducted by commissioners appointed by Calvert. These individuals, along with laborers and settlers, worked to lay out streets and designate plots for future inhabitants. The city was officially laid out and established with not just commerce in mind; Baltimore was intended to become a seat of government and encourage population growth. Thus, the layout of the city was designed to facilitate future expansion and community development.

As the city grew, it began attracting a diverse population, including immigrants drawn to the promise of economic opportunity. Baltimore rapidly transformed into a bustling center of trade, with a significant focus on shipbuilding. Over the ensuing decades, its strategic location would contribute to its emergence as a major economic power in the Mid-Atlantic region, setting the stage for its eventual role in American history, particularly during events such as the War of 1812 and the Civil War.