Jonestown | |
|---|---|
 Flag House on Pratt Street | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| City | Baltimore |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT |
| ZIP code | 21202 |
| Area code | 410, 443, and 667 |
Jonestown is a neighborhood in the southeastern district of Baltimore. Established in 1732, three years after Baltimore was incorporated in 1729, it is one of the oldest places in the city. The boundaries have fluctuated over the years, currently along the north side of Pratt Street, the west side of Central Avenue, the east side of Fallsway, and the south side of Orleans Street. The district is a mix of industrial, commercial and residential.
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Established in the Colonial era as "Jones Town", it was founded by David Jones, a Welsh miller who owned a gristmill and the surrounding land. In 1745, Jones's Town officially merged with the adjacent Baltimore Town, forming the basis for the modern city of Baltimore. The area is often referred to as being part of "Old Town". Throughout the late 18th and 19th centuries, Jonestown was the destination for a large population of German immigrants. They established institutions in the area, including the Zion Lutheran Church. Beginning in the mid-19th century, Jonestown became the heart of Baltimore's Jewish community. This is marked by the construction of the Lloyd Street Synagogue in 1845, the third-oldest synagogue in the United States. The neighborhood was a first home for thousands of Jewish immigrants, initially from Germany and later from Eastern Europe. Today the Jewish Museum of Maryland is located here not only for Baltimore but the entire state. [1] [2] [3] [4]
In the last half of the 20th century, Jonestown shifted, like much of East and West Baltimore, into a predominantly African-American neighborhood. In the second half of the 20th century public housing replaced many former rowhouses and townhouses. During the 21st century, modern housing began replacing older public housing.
Jonestown is home to Baltimore's central post office in addition to other Baltimore City landmarks including the Flag House; the Jewish Museum of Maryland; the Reginald F. Lewis Museum; the Carroll Mansion; the Phoenix Shot Tower; The House at 9 North Front Street; the former Hendler Creamery building (1892-2024); and the McKim's School.
Indicating the age of the community, Jonestown is home to a number of the oldest religious buildings. Old Town Friends' Meetinghouse is the oldest religious building in Baltimore. St. Vincent de Paul Church is the oldest Catholic parish in continuous use in the city. The Lloyd Street Synagogue is the oldest in the city, and the third oldest synagogue in the country.