Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Baltimore Riot Trail
Barricade at Jones Falls Bridge
— Baltimore – A Divided City —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 24, 2024
On April 19, 1861, Confederate sympathizers attacked the 6th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as it changed trains en route to Washington, which the secessionists hoped 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
While Capt. Albert S. Follansbee waited at President Street Station with the last four companies of the 6th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment horses pulled several carloads of soldiers to Camden Station. Near the bridge here, however, an anchor and other objects on the tracks at Pratt and President Streets derailed the seventh car carrying Maj. Benjamin Watson's company. Watson commandeered a passing team of horses and got the car back on the tracks, but a pro-Confederate mob attacked with stones and bricks, shattering windows and sending glass flying through the car.
The frightened driver quickly unhitched his horses and tried to blend into the crowd, but Watson brought him back at gunpoint to reattach the team and pull the car to safety as the soldiers lay on the floor. Watson ordered them to "ignore the assault and to lie still as they were not being fired upon." After one of his men called out that his finger had been shot off, however, Watson ordered them to "rise up from the car floor and return fire."
Back at President Street Station, Follansbee received orders to march his companies to Camden Station. Harassed by the mob along the way, the men reached the Jones Falls Bridge to find a barricade, including a cannon, blocking their path here. Had the gun been loaded, it might have raked the streets with deadly effect, but the soldiers simply climbed over the obstructions and continued their march.
[Caption:]
At Union Dock to the south, a pier warehouse was later converted into a hospital to receive and care for wounded soldiers.
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° 17.204′ N, 76° 36.301′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in the Inner Harbor. Marker is at the intersection of East Pratt Street and West Falls Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East Pratt Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 750 W Falls Ave, Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
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 had a different subtitle 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 77 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.