War Memorial Building, Baltimore

The War Memorial Building in Baltimore is a stunning memorial dedicated to the 1,752 Marylanders who lost their lives in military service during World War I. The idea for the building was initiated by the Governor of Maryland and the Mayor of Baltimore in 1919, who appointed a War Memorial Commission to launch a nationwide architectural competition to design the memorial building.

The winning design was executed by local architect Lawrence Hall Fowler, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the building was held on November 22, 1921. The cornerstone was laid on April 29, 1923, in a ceremony attended by Acting Secretary of War Colonel Dwight F. Davis, Governor Albert C. Ritchie, and Mayor William F. Broening. The War Memorial Building was officially dedicated on April 5, 1925.

The building is located across War Memorial Plaza from Baltimore City Hall and features a 1000-seat auditorium and a stunning mural by Baltimore artist R. McGill Mackall titled "A Sacrifice to Patriotism." The building's facade includes two stone sea horses representing the "Might of America crossing the seas to aid our allies," sculpted by Edmond R. Amateis. These sea horses also incorporate the coats of arms for Maryland and the City of Baltimore.

In 1977, the War Memorial Building was rededicated by Mayor William Donald Schaefer as a memorial to all Marylanders who lost their lives in wars involving American troops throughout the twentieth century.

Today, the building houses administrative offices for local veterans organizations, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of Maryland who served their country.