The Baltimore riot of 1861 produced the first Union volunteer deaths by hostile action in the American Civil War.
Key Facts
- Date
- April 19, 1861
- Location
- Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland
- Also known as
- Pratt Street Riots / Pratt Street Massacre
- Troops involved
- Massachusetts and Pennsylvania state militia regiments
- First deaths
- First Union volunteer deaths by hostile action in the Civil War
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
As Southern states seceded and the Civil War began, Maryland harbored strong Confederate sympathies. Antiwar Copperhead Democrats and Confederate sympathizers in Baltimore opposed the transit of federal troops through the city to Washington, creating a volatile atmosphere as militia regiments from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania passed through on April 19, 1861.
Fighting broke out at President Street Station and spread along President Street to Howard Street, ending at Camden Street Station. Confederate sympathizers and antiwar civilians attacked the Union militia troops as they moved through Baltimore, resulting in deaths on both sides — Union volunteers and civilian attackers alike.
The riot produced the first deaths of Union volunteers by hostile action in the American Civil War, though inflicted by civilians rather than Confederate soldiers. The violence deepened the crisis over Maryland's loyalty and prompted federal authorities to take urgent measures to secure the state and its rail and communication links to Washington.
Political Outcome
Union militia passed through Baltimore under attack; first Civil War Union volunteer deaths occurred; federal pressure intensified to keep Maryland in the Union.
Maryland's loyalty uncertain; Confederate sympathizers openly challenged federal troop movements
Federal government moved to suppress Confederate activity in Maryland and secure rail lines to Washington