Gangs from the American Party (Know Nothings) and the Democrats (Southern sympathizers) clash throughout Baltimore during national and state elections. The fighting, killing 17 gang members and injuring 67 on both sides, is the most intense violence in any city during the Know Nothing Era. Several widespread riots occur from September through November of 1856.
The nationwide Know Nothing Party (known for its silence about its politics) grew in the 1850s. Hostility intensified toward the growing immigrant population, especially Catholics, as they were thought to be taking jobs from Americans.
Baltimore, with a quarter of its population foreign born, is known as “Mobtown.” Street gangs with names like “Blood Tubs” and “Rip-Raps” are associated with volunteer fire companies, who have a habit of street fighting. They regularly riot during elections and other events. The 1856 violence in the city makes national headlines.
Maryland’s flag, the most popular, has a long history
The General Assembly makes new (old) flag official in 1904. Based on heraldic crests in the George Calvert family it is now the most popular and most recognized state flag. The flag was used by both sides during the Civil War conflict. A full description of the flag’s history is on Maryland Secretary of State’s website.
