The earliest foundations of Baltimore are based upon the laws of demand. The demand to have a location on the inner reaches of the Chesapeake Bay to distribute commodities via ships. The Port of Baltimore was established twenty four years before Baltimore became a city. Prior to settlement by the Europeans, the area where the Port of Baltimore lies was inhabited by Powhatan Indians, who also enjoyed the bounties of the Chesapeake and surrounding lands.
The roots of trade in the Baltimore region lie within the tobacco industry, the lands on the western and eastern shores were conducive to growing the crop and the ease of transport via the Chesapeake Bay made the area desirable for cultivators. Not only did this benefit commerce but a labor force was needed to accomplish agriculture on this scale. The need for slaves and indentured servants initiated early surges of population growth in what would be the Baltimore region. (Olson, Sherry H.)
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