What remains to tell the tale of Jonestown’s past? Plenty. The early 19th century home of Charles Carroll, once the wealthiest man in America. The house where Mary Pickersgill sewed the flag that became the Star-Spangled Banner. Landmark churches and synagogues, from the city’s oldest religious building (the Friends Meeting House) to the nation’s third oldest surviving synagogue (the Lloyd Street Synagogue) to St. Vincent’s Church , an island of stability that finds innovative ways to serve each generation. And soaring above them all , the Shot Tower, Baltimore icon and symbol of Jonestown’s industrial heritage. If that’s not enough, these landmarks recently welcomed to the neighborhood the East Coast’s largest museum of African American heritage.

Jonestown’s wealth of historical and cultural attractions, combined with its modern-yet-traditional housing, demonstrate that a neighborhood can build on the past to rejuvenate itself. Come and see for yourself. Visit the Historic Jonestown Visitor Center!

Jonestown’s streetscapes tell an epic story of urban change and diversity. Founded in 1732, Jones Town consolidated with Baltimore in 1745. At first the home to wealthy residents, in the 19th century it became the port-of-entry neighborhood for immigrants seeking opportunity—especially East European Jews, who established its largest and most enduring ethnic community. With urban renewal in the mid-20th century, Jonestown’s tenements gave way to massive public highrises. These were demolished by century’s end, to be replaced by new, mixed-income housing modeled on the traditional Baltimore rowhouse.

Carroll Mansion, Site # 8

Historic Jonestown

Historic Jonestown, Inc.  

Historic Jonestown, Inc. is a consortium of cultural institutions, community groups, and businesses based in Baltimore’s Jonestown neighborhood (the area roughly bounded by President, Fayette, Central and Pratt streets). Our mission is to promote the many historic and cultural sites of Jonestown and the surrounding area by creating an environment that attracts visitors and benefits local residents, businesses and institutions.