Downtown West in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mob Scene
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Site
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Don Morfe, December 20, 2014
1. Mob Scene Marker
Incited by anti-war editorials in the Federal Republican, an angry mob destroyed the newspaper’s Gay Street office in June 1812. Rioters returned when editor Alexander Contee Hanson resumed publication from the Charles Street site on July 27. Hanson and about 25 supporters were escorted to jail for protection. “A scene of horror and murder ensued” as the mob stormed the jail, killing or wounded the occupants.
War Critic
Never fully recovered from mob-related injuries, Alexander Contee Hanson remained an outspoken war opponent. He served in the U.S. House and then the Senate from 1813 until his death at age 33 in 1819. (Inscription beside the photo on the right) Alexander Contee Hanson 1786-1819. Image/Courtesy Library of Congress.
“Another Daring Outrage!...Yesterday the Federal Republican resumed its former circulation, and last evening the lawless mob made an attempt on the house, in Charles Street…by breaking the windows and forcing the doors.”
Annapolis Maryland Gazette and Political Intelligencer, August 6, 1812.
Erected by National
Photographed By Don Morfe, December 20, 2014
2. Mob Scene Marker
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1812.
Location. 39° 17.196′ N, 76° 36.888′ W. Marker is in Downtown West in Baltimore, Maryland. Marker is at the intersection of Charles Street and Pratt Street on Charles Street. The marker is located on the Transamerica Building Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. City Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Theodore R. McKeldin (about 400 feet away); Baltimore Riot Trail (about 400 feet away); McKeldin Plaza (about 600 feet away); Welcome (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wendel Bollman (approx. 0.2 miles away); Adventure Begins at the Bay's Front Door (approx. 0.2 miles away); Philip Wilhelm Otterbein (approx. 0.2 miles away).
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 19, 2018
3. Mob Scene Marker
at the Transamerica Building
at the Transamerica Building
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 19, 2018
4. War Critic
Alexander Contee Hanson 1786-1819
Alexander Contee Hanson 1786-1819
Never fully recovered from mob-related injuries, Alexander Contee Hanson remained an outspoken war opponent. He served in the U.S. House and then the Senate from 1813 until his death at age 33 in 1819. Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 19, 2018
5. The Baltimore Mob
1812
1812
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 874 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 24, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 20, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
