Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Baltimore Riot Trail
Death at President Street Station
— Baltimore – A House Divided —
In 1861, as the Civil War began, Baltimore secessionists hoped to stop rail transportation to Washington and isolate the national capital. On April 19, the 6th Massachusetts Regiment arrived here at the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad’s President Street Station at 10 a.m. en route with other troops to Washington to answer President Abraham Lincoln’s call for 75,000 volunteers to counter the “rebellion.” Because of anti-Unionist demonstrations the day before, the 720 soldiers were ordered to load their weapons while horses pulled their cars to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s Camden Station (locomotives were banned from the city streets).
Regimental commander Col. Edward Jones led the first of seven cars to Pratt Street and safely across the waterfront. The eighth car turned back after Southern sympathizers blocked the rails. From Camden Station, Jones sent orders to Capt. Albert S. Follansbee, commanding the remaining four companies here: “You will march to this place as quick as possible [and] follow the rail-road track.”
The Lowell City Regimental Band, baggage, and supply cars remained here after Follansbee left, awaiting their own instructions. When a pro-Confederate mob threw bricks at the musicians, they tore the stripes from their uniform trousers to be less recognizable as soldiers and fled on foot into the city.
Col. William F. Small’s 1,200-man 26th Pennsylvania Volunteers (Washington Brigade of Philadelphia) had also arrived with the 6th Massachusetts. As Small persuaded railroad officials to pull the train and troops out of the city to safety, the mob attacked, fatally injuring Pennsylvania Volunteer George Leisenring. The riot here lasted for more than two hours until Baltimore Police Marshal George P. Kane restored order.
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1909.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 17.044′ N, 76° 36.143′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in the Inner Harbor. Marker was at the intersection of President Street and Fleet Street, on the right when traveling south on President Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 801 Fleet St, Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Baltimore Riot Trail (here, next to this marker); President Street Station (a few steps from this marker); The Inner Harbor Water Wheel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Baltimore Public Works Museum (about 400 feet away); The National Katyń Memorial (about 400 feet away); The Katyń Massacre, 1940 (about 400 feet away); Discover Little Italy: A Taste of the Past (about 400 feet away); Katyń Remembered (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Baltimore Riot Trail (about 600 feet away); Water Power: Baltimore's Economic Engine (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker which has a slightly different subtitle.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 8, 2021
Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 7,181 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 10, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on October 8, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.