Enoch Pratt Free Library opens
In 1886 the Pratt Library is the first public library to open for all “without distinction of race or color”. The Pratt inspires the nationwide Carnegie Library system.
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Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission established
Howard Cooper, African American, at 15 in 1885, is among the youngest persons in US to be lynched. He is lynched in front of the old Towson jail. Maryland is first to create a Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2019.
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Johns Hopkins University opens
Johns Hopkins University opens its doors in 1876 as the first US institution of higher education based on a German model emphasizing graduate education. It has produced many firsts, notably the sanitation work of Abel Wolman.
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Largest U.S. gathering celebrating passage of 15th Amendment, providing universal right to vote for men
In Baltimore in 1870 the largest national gathering celebrates Congress passing 15th Amendment. The Maryland Assembly does not pass 15th until 1973.
An 1867 constitution reverses the one in 1864, re-infranchising returning Confederates
Governor Thomas Swann oversees the Maryland convention that passes new a constitution in 1867, renewing the franchise for returning Confederate soldiers and sets back the new political gains of newly freed slaves. Maryland refuses to ratify 14th & 15th amendments.
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National Labor Union founded
National Labor Union is founded in 1866 in Baltimore, making it the first in the nation and calls for the 8 hour workday. In 1872 it creates a National Labor Party which is not successful in a national election
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Isaac Myers forms a trade union for Black workers
Isaac Myers purchases a dockyard to employ Black workers and forms them into a caulker’s union in 1866. He is invited to the National Labor Convention in 1869. Ultimately, discrimination forces his union out of the national union.
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Sgt. Maj. Christian Fleetwood, 4th U.S.C.T. is nominated as the first Black commissioned officer
Sgt. Major Christian Fleetwood, Civil War hero, almost becomes the first Black commissioned officer in the US Army in 1865. Every white commissioned officer in the 4th US Colored Troops recommends him but the Secretary or War declines.
Mary Surratt is the first woman hanged by the federal government
Mary Jenkins Surratt is hanged in 1865 with three other conspirators for plotting to kill President Abraham Lincoln. She is the first woman executed by the federal government. She is hanging on the far left of the scaffold.
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Battle of Monocacy saves Washington
The Battle of Monocacy in 1864 saves the National Capital. Confederate Forces defeat Unionists, but after being delayed they are forced to retreat. This is the most northern victory of the Confederacy.
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