Discover the City in Maryland That Was Known as the Umbrella Capital of the World

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Did you know that Baltimore, Maryland, once held the prestigious title of the umbrella capital of the world?

This intriguing chapter in Baltimore's history began in 1828 when Francis Beehler, a German immigrant, established the city's first umbrella factory. The factory's slogan, "Born in Baltimore, Raised Everywhere!" captured the widespread reach and popularity of its umbrellas.

By the early 20th century, Baltimore had become a major center for umbrella manufacturing, with numerous factories thriving in the city. Each year, over 1.5 million umbrellas were produced and shipped across the nation from Baltimore, solidifying its role as a key player in the industry.

The growing demand for umbrellas led to intense competition among manufacturers. In 1906, Charles Katz, Jesse N. Polan, and William Fox founded Polan, Katz & Co. Remarkably, within eight years, this company had become the largest umbrella manufacturer in the country, surpassing both the Beehler Umbrella Factory and another prominent local company, Gans Brothers.

Although umbrellas no longer dominate Baltimore's industrial scene, the city's rich history in umbrella manufacturing remains a significant part of its heritage. The entrepreneurial spirit of Francis Beehler and the success of early 20th-century factories highlight Baltimore's industrial innovation and legacy.