Federal Hill

Federal Hill. Building the Fort. During the Civil War, Union cannon perched here on Federal Hill loomed menacingly over Baltimore, helping to control the pro-Southern elements of the city. "With artillery posted here," one soldier wrote, "Baltimore itself could be laid in ashes, should occasion require it.", At the beginning of the war, Baltimore's largely pro-successionist residents bitterly opposed Union attempts to "suppress the rebellion," opposition that climaxed with the Pratt Street Riot on April 19, 1861. As tensions continued to simmer, Union Gen. Benjamin F. Butler's troops occupied Federal Hill on May 13 and brought their guns to bear on the city. Baltimore would live under military authority for the rest of the war., The 5th New York Volunteer Infantry arrived to man Federal Hill on July 27, 1861. The unit was outfitted in colorful Zouave uniforms: a tasseled fez, short braided jacket, baggy trousers, and a long sash, inspired by the French Army's famed North African troops., Beginning on August 24, the Zouaves constructed a massive earthwork on this site, working in shifts of 400 men. The finished site included officer's quarters, barracks for 1,000 soldiers, and a guardhouse converted from a bowling alley, and bristled with 42 guns., Tensions with local residents gradually eased. During the eight months of garrison duty, the regiment made numerous friend in the city. Sgt. Stephen Bogardus wrote, "Visitors flock by every day to view the works and Zou Zous as they affectionately call us." Several Zouaves became engaged to local women. When the units departed to join the Army of the Potomac, one soldier wrote, "The men felt as if they were leaving home.", (captions) , Pvt. Frederick Hyde, 5th New York Volunteer Infantry, aged 18. Courtesy Library of Congress, Federal Hill, ca. 1862, looking east. Courtesy Enoch Pratt Free Library, Union cannon on Federal Hill. - Courtesy Maryland Center for History and Culture