Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Mob Scene

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Site

— War of 1812 —

Mob Scene Marker image. Click for full size.

By Don Morfe, December 20, 2014

1. Mob Scene Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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 Park

By Don Morfe, December 20, 2014

2. Mob Scene Marker

Service-United States Department of the Interior.

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.

Location. 39° 17.196′ N, 76° 36.888′ W. Marker is in Inner Harbor 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); Baltimore Riot Trail (about 400 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); Inspired Words (approx. 0.2 miles away); Baltimore’s Maritime Heritage (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Inner Harbor.

Mob Scene Marker<br>at the Transamerica Building image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, February 19, 2018

3. Mob Scene Marker
at the Transamerica Building

War Critic<br>Alexander Contee Hanson 1786-1819 image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, February 19, 2018

4. War Critic
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

The Baltimore Mob<br>1812 image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, February 19, 2018

5. The Baltimore Mob
1812

Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 819 times since then and 4 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.