What side was Maryland on during the civil war?

What Side was Maryland on During the Civil War?

Maryland, one of the original 13 colonies and bordering the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., played a crucial role during the American Civil War. As the war unfolded, Maryland’s loyalty and commitment to the Union were constantly tested, and the state’s involvement in the conflict was complex and multifaceted. In this article, we will explore what side Maryland was on during the Civil War.

Early Involvement

When the Civil War began in 1861, Maryland was a slave state that was sympathetic to the Confederate cause. Over 20% of Maryland’s population supported the secession of the Southern states. The state’s geographical proximity to Washington D.C. and the fact that Baltimore was a major transportation hub made it a crucial location for the Union military. The Confederacy, therefore, had a significant presence in Maryland, and there were numerous Secret Union meetings and conspiracies to undermine the Southern effort.

Constitutional Crisis and Loyalty Tests

In April 1861, the Maryland General Assembly met to consider secession, and the state’s delegation to the U.S. Congress resigned. The Governor, Thomas Holliday Hicks, remained loyal to the Union, but many of the state’s officials, including the Attorney General, supported secession. As the crisis deepened, President Abraham Lincoln was determined to keep Maryland in the Union. He ordered troops to the state, citing the need to prevent Maryland from seceding and joining the Confederacy.

Baltimore Riot and Fort McHenry

On April 19, 1861, the Baltimore Riot broke out, in which four civilians were killed and over 40 wounded. The violence was sparked by Union soldiers, who were ordered to capture a train and interrupt communication between the Union and Confederate capitals. The riot led to further unrest and violence, resulting in the Occupation of Baltimore by Union forces. Fort McHenry, a historic fortress located in Baltimore, played a crucial role in the Union’s defense of the city.

Border States and the Union Army

As the war raged on, Maryland’s border with Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia made it a vital region for the Union army. Union forces controlled key locations, including Annapolis, Baltimore, and the Washington-Baltimore corridor. The 80-mile Union Border Defenses were designed to prevent Confederate incursions into Maryland and protect Washington D.C. The defenses were a combination of infantry, artillery, and naval forces, with 12 fortifications, 5 garrisons, and over 1,000 soldiers.

Loyalty and Defection

As the war progressed, many Marylanders defected from the Confederate cause to the Union. Over 15,000 Marylanders served in the Union army, and the 1st Maryland Infantry, formed in 1861, became one of the most renowned Union regiments. Meanwhile, Confederate forces continued to operate in the state, and there were numerous guerrilla attacks and raids carried out by Confederate sympathizers.

Conclusion

Maryland’s role in the Civil War was complex and multifaceted. Despite the state’s initial sympathy with the Confederate cause, its loyalty was ultimately secured through a combination of military presence, political maneuvering, and the efforts of Marylanders who defected from the Confederacy to the Union. The state played a crucial role in the war, and its participation was instrumental in securing the Union’s victory.

Timeline of Maryland’s Participation in the Civil War:

Sources:

• Maryland Historical Society
• National Park Service
• United States Census Bureau
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• History.com
• Library of Congress