The site of numerous riots between Southern and Northern sympathizers during the
Civil War, Baltimore remained within the Union but under martial law throughout
the war. During the latter half of the 19th century the city was transformed fr
om a mercantile to an industrial center. In 1904 a fire destroyed most of the do
wntown business district, but recovery was rapid. Baltimore's continued growth i
n the 20th century has been due in large part to its port facilities, which have
grown from the original all-purpose piers to the present 72 km (45 mi) of devel
oped waterfront.
Paul A. Groves
Bibliography: Beirne, F. F., The Amiable Baltimoreans (1984); Miles, Priscilla L
., Historic Baltimore (1987); Nast, L. H. , et al., eds., Baltimore: A Living Re
naissance (1982); Vexler, R. I., Baltimore: A Chronological and Documentary Hist
ory, 1632-1970 (1975).