Washington, DC & the Capital Region - Eastern USA - page 537

history. Four blocks east, Sports Legends at Camden Yards (cnr Camden & Sharp Sts,
Camden Station; adult/child $8/4) honors more Maryland athletes. The museums share
hours; combo tickets cost $12/5.
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum MUSEUM
( 410-396-7932; 203 N Amity St; adult/child $4/free; noon-3:30pm Wed-Sat Apr-Nov)
Home to Baltimore's most famous adopted son from 1832 to 1835, it was here that the
macabre poet and writer first found fame after winning a $50 short-story contest. After
moving around, Poe later returned to Baltimore in 1849, where he died in mysterious cir-
cumstances. His grave can be found in nearby Westminster Cemetery.
Mt Vernon
For the best views of Baltimore, climb the 228 steps of Baltimore's Washington Monu-
ment MAP GOOGLE MAP (699 Washington Pl; suggested donation $5; 10am-5pm Wed-
Sun) , a 178ft-tall Doric column that's only slightly less phallic than its DC counterpart.
Walters Art Museum MUSEUM
( 410-547-9000; www.thewalters.org ; 600 N Charles St; 10am-5pm Wed-Sun, to 9pm Thu)
Don't pass up this excellent, eclectic gallery, which spans more than 55 centuries,
from ancient to contemporary, with excellent displays of Asian treasures, rare and ornate
manuscripts and books, and a comprehensive French paintings collection.
Maryland Historical Society MUSEUM
( www.mdhs.org ; 201 W Monument St; adult/child $9/6; 10am-5pm Wed-Sat, noon-5pm Sun)
With more than 5.4 million artifacts, this is one of the largest collections of Americana in
the world, and it includes Francis Scott Key's original manuscript of the 'Star-Spangled
Banner.' There are often excellent temporary exhibits, as well as a fascinating permanent
one tracing Maryland's maritime history.
Federal Hill & Around
On a bluff overlooking the harbor, Federal Hill Park lends its name to the comfortable
neighborhood that's set around Cross St Market and comes alive after sundown.
American Visionary Art Museum MUSEUM