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- Jul 29, 2013
* Anniversary Bump!
In 2011, the city planned a big parade to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the event and closed down Pratt St. along the Inner Harbor. There were dozens of groups in the line of march--everything from hundreds of reenactors to high school marching bands, a National Guard unit, baton twirlers, you name it.
Amusing name for a street gang!The nickname for Baltimore in that era was Mobtown, believe it or not. No comment on that from this X Baltimore resident. There was one gang called the Plug Uglies, if I am not mistaken. An upstanding collection of gentleman, undoubtedly.
John
The Pratt St. Riot in Baltimore seems like a precursor to the St. Louis riot the following month after General Nathaniel Lyon captured insurgent militia at Camp Jackson in May 1861. The captured soldiers were paraded through the city by the Unionist 3rd Missouri Infantry thereby enraging the anger of pro-secessionist civilians. Gunfire broke out (it is claimed that it was an accident and unprovoked) leading to 28 civilian fatalities and Captain Constantin Blandowski of the 3rd Missouri.
That story is rather fictional and is continually repeated, General Lyon was on horseback, wearing a captains frock, attempting to rally his troops when he was shot from the saddle. Unless he had soldiers hading him rocks, he would not have been able to throw them.Lyon was a complete hard***. A more fervent Unionists would be impossible to.find, and he never backed down for anyone.
He died in battle when, surrounded by Confederate soldiers, rather than surrender he started attacking them with rocks. One reb got smacked in the face with a big rock and his freind shot Lyon dead.
Lyon is just great.
I find it of notable coincidence that the first blood of this great struggle is drawn by Massachusetts men on the anniversary of Lexington.The Baltimore riot of 1861 (Pratt Street Riot) was a conflict which occurred on April 19, 1861, in Baltimore, Maryland. This conflict occurred between antiwar "Copperhead" Democrats and other Southern/Confederate sympathizers and members of the Massachusetts and Pennsylvania state militia regiments. These regiments were enroute to the national capital at Washington City, via the train system. The fighting began at the President Street Station (Baltimore Civil War Museum) and ended at the Camden Street Station. The riot produced the first deaths by hostile action in the American Civil War. This event was nicknamed the "First Bloodshed of the War between the States."
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Even the lyrics to Maryland's state song, Maryland My Maryland, were inspired by this event, for example: "Avenge the patriotic gore That flecked the streets of Baltimore." And to illustrate where many Baltimore residents were coming from in those days: "Huzza! she spurns the Northern scum!"
We spent the morning touring the Assateague Island National Seashore. Awesome!!!
Massachusetts press made a great deal of that fact -- and that April 19 was also the date in 1689, when Royal Governor Andros was kicked out of Boston during the "Glorious Revolution".I find it of notable coincidence that the first blood of this great struggle is drawn by Massachusetts men on the anniversary of Lexington.
I can't remember who said it but the quote has stuck with me from the moment I heard it.
Thanks for posting this. I can see myself among the soggy marchers. As foolish as it seemed, we were proud to carry on in such inclement conditions. The only secessionists in sight were a motley band of dubious characters with a "Hurrah for Jeff Davis" sign. Needless to say, we appreciated their enthusiastic presence despite their delusional politics. When we got back from the parade, the Sibley tent containing the rest of our stuff had collapsed in the high winds on the Ft. McHenry parapet, which forced us to sleep in the fort's flag room, which was mercifully dry, if not downright cozy. It was one of those memorable events that makes you ask yourself "was I having fun in all that rain?" Already knowing the answer was a resounding "H*ll Yeah!"In 2011, the city planned a big parade to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the event and closed down Pratt St. along the Inner Harbor. There were dozens of groups in the line of march--everything from hundreds of reenactors to high school marching bands, a National Guard unit, baton twirlers, you name it.
Thousands were expected to turn out as spectators, including government representatives--the city had been planning and promoting the event for months. Then it started to pour down rain.
Every group in the line of march left except the reenactors. All the spectators left, too--the streets were empty.
The reenactors put on their ponchos and gum blankets and marched the entire parade route anyway, with flags flying and music playing. We were there to commemorate the service and sacrifices of the men who served--getting wet was a minor inconvenience compared to what they went through.
The Baltimore citizens may have a point. The military casualties from this event are the first caused by hostile action during the Civil War.Individuals from Baltimore believe this event was the start of the American Civil War, not the shots fire upon Fort Sumter, Charleston, South Carolina. People are such rascals!!!
Bill
Vast majority of Baltimore citizens dont even know about this event, and as a Marylander, I dont think any who do think this was the start of the war. Never heard that in my life. We do claim it was the first casualties from fighting, though.The Baltimore citizens may have a point. The military casualties from this event are the first caused by hostile action during the Civil War.
Vast majority of Baltimore citizens dont even know about this event, and as a Marylander, I dont think any who do think this was the start of the war. Never heard that in my life. We do claim it was the first casualties from fighting, though.