Maryland World War II Memorial | Baltimore

The Maryland World War II Memorial is a public monument located in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

It commemorates the state's contributions and sacrifices during World War II.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial features a central granite obelisk, approximately 40 feet in height. Surrounding the obelisk are two semicircular granite walls, each about 15 feet high and 100 feet long. The walls are inscribed with the names of Marylanders who died in the war. Bronze plaques depicting scenes from the war are affixed to the inner faces of the walls. The ground surface is paved with granite pavers.

Location & Access Logistics

The memorial is situated in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, at the intersection of Key Highway and Fort McHenry Promenade. It is approximately 1.5 miles south of Baltimore's central business district. Public parking is available in several paid garages within a 0.5km radius, including the Harbor Place Garage and the Pier 5 Garage. Public transport options include the BaltimoreLink bus system, with routes such as the CityLink Navy and CityLink Silver stopping within 0.2km. Water taxis also service the Inner Harbor, with a stop near the memorial.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Maryland World War II Memorial began in 1997 and was completed in 2002. The design was created by the architectural firm RTKL Associates. The memorial's purpose is to honor the 6,500 Marylanders who lost their lives during World War II and to serve as a place of remembrance and education.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can read the inscribed names on the granite walls. The bronze plaques offer visual representations of wartime events. The memorial site provides an area for quiet reflection. Photography of the monument is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in the nearby Inner Harbor facilities, approximately 0.1km from the memorial. Limited shade is provided by surrounding trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this area. Food vendors and restaurants are located within the Inner Harbor complex, within a 0.3km radius.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting conditions for photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) is recommended, when the sun angle is lower. The best months for visiting are April through October, offering milder weather. There are no tide-dependent access requirements.

Facts & Legends

A specific detail of the memorial is that the granite used for the obelisk was quarried in Mount Airy, North Carolina, the same location as the granite used for the Washington Monument in Washington D.C.

Nearby Landmarks

• 0.3km West: National Aquarium
• 0.5km Northwest: Historic Ships in Baltimore (USS Constellation)
• 0.8km North: Federal Hill Park
• 1.2km West: Baltimore Convention Center
• 1.5km Northwest: Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture