Aug 6, 2014

Baltimoreans were excited by the news that they would get a glimpse of the giant Hindenburg, which was to circle the city on its way to Lakehurst (N.J.) Naval Air Station on August 11, 1936.

Like its predecessor, the Graf Zeppelin, it was designed for ’round-the-world passenger (and some light freight) flights.

The 804-foot-long dirigible Hindenburg, the “Titanic of the Skies,” soared above the Bromo-Seltzer Tower, Redwood Street and near the old Sun building less than a year before it was destroyed. Of the 97 people on board (36 passengers and 61 crewmen), there were 35 fatalities. There was also one death of a ground crewman.

: The German dirigible Hindenburg flying over Baltimore. (August 11, 1936/Baltimore Sun file)

: This picture, taken from atop the old Sun Building at Baltimore and Charles Streets, shows the Hindenburg, the German showpiece lighter-than-air craft, making a flight over Baltimore. Like its predecessor, the Graf Zeppelin, it was designed for ’round-the-world passenger (and some light freight) flights. (Baltimore Sun file)