Baltimore is America’s largest independent city as well as Maryland’s largest cultural center and city. Baltimore is in central Maryland along the Patapsco River and is sometimes known as Baltimore City (to separate its identity from Baltimore County that surrounds it). It was founded in the 18th century as one of America’s principal seaport. Today, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor (that historically was one of America’s main leading entry ports for US immigrants) acts as a tourist, shopping and entertainment center. As well, Baltimore city is now known for being a service-based economy.