Two Maryland volunteer regiments, the 1st Maryland Vol. Infantry, U.S. and the 1st Maryland Vol. Infantry, C.S.A., fight at the Battle of Front Royal, VA. It is the only time in U.S. military history that regiments with the same numerical designation from the same state engage in combat.
The 1st Maryland, U.S. is led by Colonel John Kenly (1818-1891) from Baltimore. The 1st Maryland, C.S.A. commander is Colonel Bradley Johnson (1829-1903) of Frederick. During the Front Royal battle, Kenly is wounded and his entire regiment is captured.
A year later, the Maryland troops of both sides engage again at Gettysburg.
Overall 60,000 Maryland soldiers eventually joined the Union while 25,000 joined the Confederacy. Ten percent of the Maryland troops were “U.S. Colored Troops” that fought bravely for the Union.
Congressman Benjamin Harris prays on floor of the House for a Confederate victory
U.S. Representative Benjamin Harris, a pro-slavery advocate, is the only Congressman to pray for a Confederate victory on the House floor on July 4, 1863.
