Federal Hill in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Federal Hill
Building the Fort
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 20, 2023
On the evening of May 13, 1861, U.S. General Benjamin E. Butler’s troops occupied Federal Hill and brought their guns to bear on Baltimore. For the next four years the hill, garrisoned by 10 different regiments, served as a strategic Union strong point to control the pro-Southern elements of Baltimore’s population.
The 5th New York Volunteer Infantry pitched its tents here on July 27. Led by Col. Abram Duryee, the unit was outfitted in colorful Zouave uniforms: a tasseled fez, short braided jacket, baggy trousers and long sash inspired by the French Army’s famed North African troops. After Duryee’s second in command, Lt. Col. Gouverneur Kemble Warren, proposed a fort here, ground was broken on August 24. When Duyree was promoted to general, Warren took command as colonel. Laboring in 400-man shifts, the Zouaves constructed a massive earthworks here. The first artillery piece as mounted on October 1, and by the end of the month, 42 guns were added, including 6 8-inch Columbiads and 22 32-pounders. Within the ramparts, regimental carpenters built officers’ quarters and barracks sufficient for 1,000 soldiers.
During eight months of garrison duty, Warren brought the Zouaves to a superb state of discipline and tactical skill, and the regiment made many friends in Baltimore. Sgt. Stephen Bogardus wrote, “Visitors flock by every day to view the works and Zou Zous as they were affectionately called us. ... We have hundreds of them to witness our evening parade.” Several Zouaves, including Warren, became engaged to local women. When the unit departed to join the Army of the Potomac, a Zouave wrote, “The men felt as if they were leaving home.”
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 13, 1732.
Location. 39° 16.818′ N, 76° 36.487′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Federal Hill. Marker can be reached from Warren Avenue. Marker is in Federal Hill Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Warren Ave, Baltimore MD 21230, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonel George Armistead (here, next to this marker); Major General Samuel Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); The Leroy E. Hoffberger Shining Youth / Shining Walls (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grand Army of the Republic (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Federal Hill (about 400 feet away); Pride of Baltimore (about 400 feet away); 223 East Montgomery Street (about 600 feet away); 222 East Churchill Street (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,791 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 21, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on September 17, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on April 13, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 21, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.