Johns Hopkins Hospital opens in 1889, creating the first modern medical school. Local women donate funds, provided it agrees to admit women. The Hospital accepts African American patients in segregated wards. Many medical firsts follow.
Johns Hopkins Hospital opens Read More »
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.
Enoch Pratt Free Library opens Read More »
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.
Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission established Read More »
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.
Johns Hopkins University opens Read More »
In Baltimore in 1870 the largest national gathering celebrates Congress passing 15th Amendment. The Maryland Assembly does not pass 15th until 1973.
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.
Soldiers from both North and South units fight at the Battle of Front Royal. in 1861, pictured. A year later they engage again at Gettysburg. These are the only times in US military history that regiments with the same designations from the same state engage in combat.
Maryland soldiers from both North and South fight at the Battle of Front Royal Read More »
Lincoln suspends Habeas Corpus to jail secessionists at Ft. McHenry in 1861. John Merryman (pictured on the left) sues and Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney (center in photo) rules against Lincoln who ignores the ruling.
Lincoln suspends habeas corpus, locks up secessionists at Ft. McHenry 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.
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