12. The Original Hollywood, Maryland

Before the American film industry found its iconic home in Hollywood, California, it experienced a lesser-known period centered around Baltimore, Maryland, serving as an early epicenter for cinematic production. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Baltimore boasted a burgeoning film scene driven by its strategic location and vibrant cultural landscape.

However, the oppressive control and patent fees imposed by Thomas Edison, who held numerous patents related to film technology, prompted filmmakers to seek refuge from his legal and financial grip. The quest for creative freedom and the avoidance of Edison’s monopolistic practices led to a westward migration, ultimately establishing Hollywood as the new heartland of American cinema.