Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

  • Also Known As: Old Roman Catholic Cathedral
  • Also Known As: The Baltimore Basilica

  • Travel Genus: Sight
  • Sight Category: Building

Located at the corner of Cathedral and Mulberry Streets, the Baltimore Basilica, officially known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was the first Roman Catholic Cathedral built in the United States, and was the first major religious building constructed after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Construction began in 1806, and was completed in 1821. The Basilica was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe - America's first professionally trained architect and Thomas Jefferson's Architect of the U.S. Capitol - under the guidance of America's first Bishop, John Carroll. The neo-classical Basilica is largely considered to be the Latrobe's masterpiece. In 1972, the Basilica was declared a National Historic Landmark and is therefore listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1993, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops designated the Basilica a National Shrine. In 1995, the Basilica was visited by Pope John Paul II; and in 1996 by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. In 2004, the Basilica was closed for two years during a major restoration to return the church to the original version of Latrobe and Carroll. In November 2006, the Basilica reopened its doors and is currently seeing thousands of visitors and worshippers every week. More information can be found the Baltimore Basilica Website. Today, the area surrounding the cathedral has been designated a historic district. It survives apart from the daily hustle associated with the port of Baltimore. The district also contains notable buildings (spanning two centuries) associated with the cathedral, including the Archbishop's Residence (William Small 1829) at 408 North Charles Street, and the former Basilica School at 7-9 West Mulberry Street. - NPS


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Timeline

Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
1806/00/00 Benjamin H Latrobe Architect Baltimore Basilica is built between 1806 and 1821.
1806/00/00 Bishop John Carroll Spiritual Guidance Baltimore Basilica is built between 1806 and 1821.
1821/05/31 Catholic Church Custodian Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is dedicated by Archbishop Ambrose Marechal.
1832/11/14 Charles Carroll of Carrollton Died Charles Carroll dies while living at the Caton Mansion. His funeral was held at the Baltimore Cathedral and he is buried in his Doughoregan Manor Chapel.
1853/07/21 Ambrosia Jenkins Faxon Bride Ambrosia M Jenkins, daughter of Mary and Lewis A Jenkins of Baltimore, marries Ebenezer Faxon in the Baltimore Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
1853/07/21 Eben Faxon Groom Ambrosia M Jenkins, daughter of Mary and Lewis A Jenkins of Baltimore, marries Ebenezer Faxon in the Baltimore Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
1860/00/00 Eben Faxon Architect The west portico of Latrobe's Baltimore Cathedral, now the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is erected.
1868/03/10 Eben Faxon In Memoriam A funeral is held for Ebenezer Faxon at his residence on Howard Street with a requiem in the Cathedral. He was buried in the old Cathedral Cemetery.
1872/07/30 James Roosevelt Bayley Vocation Bishop Bayley succeeds Archbishop Spalding of Baltimore.
1876/05/00 James Roosevelt Bayley Vocation Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is consecrated by Archbishop James Bayley.

Places

PlaceAsNotedInType
PlaceAsNotedInType
Archbishop's Residence, B'More

Data »

Particulars for Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary:
Area of Significance Architecture
Criteria Architecture-Engineering
Sight Category Building
Criteria Historic Event
Level of Significance National
Architectural Style Neoclassical
Owner Private
Area of Significance Religion
Historic Use Religious Property



US National Registry of Historic Places Data »

Accurate at time of registration:

PLACE DETAILS
Registry Name:
Registry Address:
Registry Number: 69000330
Resource Type:
Owner: Private
Architect: Latrobe,Benjamin H.
Architectural Style: Other
Attribute: Neo-Classical
Other Certification: Designated National Landmark
Nominator Name: National Historic Landmark
CULTURAL DETAILS
Level of Significance: National
Area of Significance: Architecture, Religion
Applicable Criteria: Event, Architecture-Engineering
Criteria Consideration: Religious property
Period of Significance: 1850-1874, 1800-1824, 1825-1849
Significant Year: 1806, 1863
Historic Function: Religion
Historic Sub-Function: Religious structure
Current Function: Religion
Current Sub-Function: Religious structure

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