Here is a summary of the key events and characteristics of Maryland during the early days of the Civil War:
1. Divided Loyalties: Maryland had a significant number of citizens with Southern sympathies, while others supported the Union. This division often led to internal conflicts and hindered decisive action by the state government.
2. Baltimore Riot: On April 19, 1861, a riot erupted in Baltimore when Union troops passing through the city were attacked by pro-Southern civilians. This incident further heightened tensions and made Maryland a focal point of early Civil War conflict.
3. Union Occupation: In response to the Baltimore Riot and to secure control of the state, the Union army moved to occupy strategic points in Maryland, including Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Eastern Shore.
4. Governor Thomas Hicks: Maryland's governor, Thomas Hicks, initially tried to maintain neutrality but eventually cooperated with the Union to prevent Maryland from joining the Confederacy.
5. Formation of the Maryland Line: Union supporters from Maryland formed the Maryland Line, a military unit that fought on the side of the Union army during the Civil War.
6. Confederate Incursions: Confederate forces made several attempts to invade Maryland, including the Battle of Monocacy in July 1864, but were ultimately unsuccessful in gaining control of the state.
7. Emancipation: Maryland abolished slavery in 1864, becoming the first state in the South (apart from the District of Columbia) to do so.
In summary, the early days of the Civil War in Maryland were characterized by divided loyalties, internal conflicts, Union occupation, and Confederate incursions. The state's strategic location and diverse political sentiments made it a crucial战场of the Civil War.
