One of the most destructive episodes of urban civil unrest in the antebellum United States, driven by public rage over financial fraud.
Key Facts
- Riot duration
- 6–9 August 1835
- Triggering event
- Failure of the Bank of Maryland in 1834
- State compensation paid
- 100000 USD
- Target of violence
- Homes of former bank directors accused of fraud
- Additional target
- Federal district courthouse, Battle Monument Square
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The failure of the Bank of Maryland in 1834 wiped out the savings of thousands of Baltimore citizens. Former directors of the bank were widely accused of financial misconduct and fraud, yet faced no meaningful legal accountability, fueling deep public resentment over the course of the following year.
From 6 to 9 August 1835, rioters attacked and destroyed the homes and property of numerous former bank directors as well as the federal district courthouse on Battle Monument Square. Authorities proved unable to restore order, effectively ceding control of the city to the mob, which received active or passive support from many bystanders.
Much valuable property belonging to some of Baltimore's wealthiest citizens was smashed or burned, though later restored. Maryland's state government subsequently paid $100,000 in compensation to those who had suffered property losses, acknowledging the scale of destruction wrought by the uncontrolled violence.
Political Outcome
Rioters devastated homes and property of accused bank directors; authorities lost control of the city for several days; Maryland paid $100,000 in property compensation.