For those of us who are native to "Bawlmer," Hampden is the epitome of big hair and the hometown "Hon" culture made famous by John Waters.
Hampden was named named for the 17th century British Parliamentarian John Hampden. From its origins in the early 1800s as site for workers' homes built near mills located along the Jones Falls, Hampden grew to become a leading center for the manufacture of cotton from the 1880s to the 1920s, attracting thousands of workers. When the mill operations declined and eventually closed, the Hampden community stayed alive because the mill workers were able to find other jobs in Baltimore. Today, Hampden is home to artists, entrepreneurs, laborers and professionals who celebrate its working class heritage.
Hampden in December is famous for the "Miracle
on 34th Street" where every house on the block is extravagantly decked
out (must be seen to be believed). Due to this amazing holiday spirit,
Hampden annually hosts the Mayor's Christmas Parade.
"The Avenue", Hampden's main street (West 36th Street), is filled with thriving
businesses where visitors can find everything from kitsch to fine art,
used furniture to flowers, while enjoying the small-town atmosphere that remains
a essential part of Hampden.
You can get to Hampden by taking a No. 27 bus north from Howard Street (a couple of blocks west of the Inner Harbor).
What to see and do and where to eat in Hampden
Hampden Village Merchants Association: http://www.hampdenmerchants.com/
Tour Hampden in photographs: http://www.spacechase.net/hampden/hampden_avenue.htm