[1][3] Unlike the preceding Charleston, these plans included a modern triple expansion engine designed by Humphrys, Tennant & Co.[2] Baltimore's initial cost for hull and machinery was $1,546,172.13.

[1] The as-built engineering plant included four coal-fired cylindrical boilers producing steam for two horizontal triple expansion engines totaling 10,750 ihp (8,020 kW) for a designed speed of 19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph), although 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) was achieved on trials.

[7] Baltimore became the flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron on 24 May 1890, and, from 15 to 23 August, conveyed the remains of the late Captain John Ericsson from New York City to Filipstad in Värmland, Sweden.

Her activities in Chile around this time became known as the Baltimore Crisis where two United States Navy sailors from its crew were stabbed in front of the True Blue Saloon on 16 October 1891.

Arriving at the Mare Island Navy Yard on 5 January 1892, she cruised on the west coast of the U.S. until 7 October and then returned to the Atlantic.

She took part in the naval rendezvous and review in Hampton Roads during March and April 1893, prior to the World's Columbian Exposition.

[9] When the American forces arrived, General Delgado already occupied the city in the name of the Federal State of the Visayas.

[9] After several weeks of a tense but peaceful stand-off, American troops and ships, including the Baltimore withdrew to Manila without landing on either Panay or Guimaras islands.

[7] In September 1919, she joined the Pacific Fleet, received the designation CM-1 (cruiser minelayer), and remained on the West Coast until January 1921.

She was sold for scrapping on 16 February 1942,[7] but she was eventually towed out to sea and scuttled by Seabee demolition men on 22 September 1944.

[2] In August 2017, the wreck was discovered by Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) off the south shore of Oahu.