Stadium Area in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Baltimore Riot Trail
Last Shots at Camden Station
— Baltimore - A Divided City —
On April 19, 1861, Confederate sympathizers attacked the 6th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as it changed trains en route to Washington, which the secessionists hope to isolate. To learn more about the Baltimore Riot, the city's role in the Civil War, and railroad history, please visit the Baltimore Civil War Museum — President Street Station, at the corner of President and Fleet Streets, PresidentStreetStation.org
Part of the 6th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment transferring here to Camden Station to change trains for Washington reached the terminal safely aboard horse-drawn cars on April 19, 1861. Maj. Benjamin Watson's Company K disembarked here at Howard Street, however, because a secessionist mob had torn up the track, and marched the final two blocks under a shower of bricks and bullets.
The mob attacked the regiment's last four companies, as Capt. Albert S. Follansbee marched them along Pratt Street, and killed several soldiers a few blocks east. As the troops reached this point, the mob renewed its assault, incited by a man waving a secessionist banner, and soldiers aboard the waiting train opened fire to protect their comrades.
When the crowd closed in, brandishing knives and guns, regimental commander Col. Edward Jones ordered the cars' window blinds drawn to discourage further attacks. A final shot came from the train as it departed at 1:30 P.M., killing wealthy merchant Robert W. Davis on the Spring Garden side of Camden Station. Five soldiers had died, and more than thirty-six were wounded. Among civilians, twelve were killed and many more wounded.
That night secessionists burned railroad bridges north of the city, and President Abraham Lincoln quickly suspended troop movements, but the pro-Confederate victory was short-lived. Within a month, Union Gen. Benjamin F. Butler had occupied Federal Hill and promised to shell Baltimore if any more trouble occurred. The city remained quiet for the rest of the war.
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 date for this entry is April 19, 1861.
Location. 39° 17.091′ N, 76° 37.172′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Stadium Area. Marker is on South Howard Street just south of West Camden Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 315 W Camden St, 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. Baltimore Regional Trail (here, next to this marker); Great Railroad Strike of 1877
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 24, 2024
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which has differences in subtitles and inscription.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 67 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.