In Baltimore in 1870 the largest national gathering celebrates Congress passing 15th Amendment. The Maryland Assembly does not pass 15th until 1973.
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.
An 1867 constitution reverses the one in 1864, re-infranchising returning Confederates Read More »
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
National Labor Union founded Read More »
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.
Isaac Myers forms a trade union for Black workers Read More »
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 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.
Mary Surratt is the first woman hanged by the federal government Read More »
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.
Battle of Monocacy saves Washington Read More »
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.
Congressman Benjamin Harris prays on floor of the House for a Confederate victory Read More »
Maryland unionists pass a new state constitution in 1864 that outlaws slavery and disenfranchises Confederate sympathizers
Clara Barton, volunteer, goes to the front at Antietam battlefield in 1862, risking her life to treat the wounded with much success. After the War she founds the American Red Cross and settles in Glen Echo.
Clara Barton volunteers as nurse in the Civil War. Read More »
We acknowledge the enduring presence of many American Indian tribes who once lived in Maryland and who now, having lost their lands, live in a diaspora. Read more.
© 2023 MARYLAND 400
