The Event
On April 19th 1861, the sixth Massachusetts Regiment was traveling south to Washington. One week earlier bloodshed had broken out in Fort Sumter South Carolina propelling the nation towards Civil War. The sixth Massachusetts Regiment was part of a troop build up reflecting the growing Union concern of southern succession. Although Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas had not yet succeeded, Civil War seemed imminent.1
Baltimore was a city that had a majority of secessionist sympathizers since John C. Calhoun’s speech of “nullification”. In the 1850s, Baltimore had experienced numerous Nativist and racially motivated riots that had nearly bought its docks to a standstill. In 1861, the situation still remained volatile with a high proportionate of unemployed dockworkers that were easily swayed by unfolding events of Fort Sumter.
The Sixth Massachusetts Regiment had to cross through Baltimore’s President Station and wait for their railcar to be transferred by horse so they could proceed south to Washington. During this time, a mob of Southern sympathizers gathered and ambushed the regiment. In an effort to escape the mob the, the regiment proceeded down Pratt Street. However, they were eventually blocked by the ensuing mob. As panic began to set in, the troops fired into the crowd killing 12 and losing 4 of their own. The troops were eventually assisted by the Baltimore Police and escorted to Camden Station.
The Pratt Street Riot was prelude to the coming of martial law in Baltimore. Baltimore’s location made it a critical point for transferring troops and supplies as well as its direct threat to the Union capital. Taking no chances, federal troops poured into the city on May 13, 1861 and suspended habeas corpus. The Pratt Street Riots would symbolize the first bloodshed of the Civil War.
1
For more information see the Report of Mayor George William Brown
