Southwest Baltimore, nicknamed “Sowebo” by its residents, is a collection of neighborhoods less than two miles west of the Inner Harbor filled with historic landmarks, unique housing stock, neighborhood parks, and local businesses. Sowebo is home to Union Square, Franklin Square, Hollins-Roundhouse, Washington Village/Pigtown, Mount Clare, Poppleton and Barre Circle, seven distinct and vibrant neighborhoods connected by the Southwest Partneship. Within Sowebo’s boundaries, residents and visitors can find city gems such as the H.L. Mencken House, the B&O Museum, the Mount Claire Mansion House, Carroll Park, Hollins Market, and much more.

The Union Square and Hollins Market Historic District is filled with spacious row houses of both Federal and Greek Revival Architecture and is home to many interesting landmarks. For example, around historic Union Square Park is the H.L. Mencken House, where the famed author lived and wrote from 1883-1956. At the heart of the Hollins Market district is the market itself. The recently renovated Hollins Market is the oldest operating public market in Baltimore and currently houses Mulberry’s Market and Bar, several meat, produce, and other food vendors. Another area attraction is the B&O Railroad Museum, which has over 200 major pieces of railroad equipment, photographs, train engines, and cars from every period of railroad history.

Also located within Southwest Baltimore are Washington Village and “Pigtown” with its attractive and vibrant Washington Blvd main street. The Pigtown Historic District comprises 36 city blocks in Southwest Baltimore and was initially developed as a community for railroad workers in the 1840’s. In the early 2000s, Pigtown was designated an Empowerment Zone, bringing new businesses and homeowners to the area.  Area attractions include Carroll Park and the Mount Clare Museum House. Carroll Park is a 117-acre park and includes a 9-hole golf course, a neighborhood playground, a skate park, playing/ball fields, picnic areas, and running/walking paths. In addition, Carroll Park is home to the Mount Clare Museum House, a 1760 colonial Georgian home built by Charles Carroll, one of Maryland’s first senators. The Mount Clare Mansion House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971.

We invite all Sowebo Landmark 5K participants to enjoy our neighborhoods, parks, and landmarks and discover the gems Sowebo has to offer.