Listing of all day-by-day events of the American Civil War related to the state of Maryland.
The American Civil War crossed borders throughout many states as the nation was plunged into turmoil. Key battles were fought throughout the land with the most being recorded in the state of Virginia followed by the state of Tennessee. The war stretched into loosely established territories in the West as well and involved actions in international waters and support from foreign powers. In the end, the fractured country required decades of healing and its scars can still be seen today.
There are a total of (32)Civil War Events by State - Maryland events in the CivilWarTimeline.net database. Entries are listed below by date-of-occurrence ascending (first-to-last). Other leading and trailing events are also included for perspective.
Day-by-Day Timeline of Events
April 19, 1861
During unrest in Washington, D.C., four soldiers and twelve civilians are killed.
April 20, 1861
To avoid further clashes with troops, Baltimore formally asks President Lincoln to refrain from having military forces pass through the city.
April 20, 1861
American citizens are arrested throughout Baltimore, Boston and New York without due process - brought about by warrants issued under the name of the United States Secretary of State.
April 21, 1861
General Benjamin Butler, a Union officer, arrives at Annapolis, Maryland with his forces. However Governor Thomas Hicks takes offense to northern elements present in the state.
April 29, 1861
The state of Maryland votes to remain in the Union.
May 10, 1861
State authorities of Maryland pass a resolution decrying the war against the south. It decides to take a neutral stance in the growing conflict.
May 13, 1861
Union forces, under the command of Benjamin Butler, take Baltimore, Maryland.
May 14, 1861
Both Fort McHenry and Baltimore, Maryland are occupied by troops under the direction of General Benjamin Butler.
October 1, 1861
Confederate generals request 20,000 additional troops to take Maryland. Their request is denied by President Jefferson Davis.
September 4, 1862
Near Leesburg, Virginia, the Army of Northern Virginia begins its crossing along the Potomac River.
September 5, 1862
General Lee makes his first foray into a Union state - crossing the Potomac River and entering Maryland.
September 7, 1862
General Robert Lee has amassed his army at Frederick, Maryland.
September 7, 1862
General George McClellan begins a slow advance away from Washington, D.C. to meet the Confederate threat emerging from Virginia.
September 12, 1862
The Battle of Harpers Ferry begins. Generals Miles and White lead a Union force of 14,000 against some 26,000 Confederate attackers under the command of generals Stonewall Jackson and A.P. Hill.
September 13, 1862
The Army of the Potomac arrives at Frederick, Maryland. Once there, soldiers recover a copy of General Lee's plans.
September 14, 1862
The Battle of South Mountain takes place. It is a Union victory for General McClellan, General Burnside and General Franklin over General Lee and General Hill.
September 14, 1862
The Battle of Crampton's Gap (Burkittsville) is a Union victory for General Franklin over General Cobb. Forces number 12,800 to 2,100, respectively.
September 14, 1862
The Battle of South Mountain is had in Maryland leading to a Union victory. 28,000 Union troops square off against 18,000 Confederates. Losses for both sides are nearly equal.
September 15, 1862
The Battle of Harpers Ferry ends as a Confederate victory.
September 15, 1862
A Confederate division under the command of General John Walker takes Loudoun Heights.
September 15, 1862
General Dixon Miles quickly surrenders the Union garrison at Harpers Ferry.
September 15, 1862
General Lee arranges his army behind Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland.
September 16, 1862
Having suffered a mortal wound at the Battle of Harpers Ferry, General Dixon Miles dies.
September 17, 1862
The Battle of Antietam is had near Sharpsburg, Maryland and results of the one-day engagement are tactically inconclusive. 87,164 Union troops (led by McClellan) face off against 38,000 Confederates (led by Lee). Casualties are 12,410 and 10,316 respectively.
August 1, 1863
A Union prison camp is opened at Point Lookout, Maryland.
September 19, 1863
Another face-off between cavalry forces is witnessed at Rockville, Maryland.
April 18, 1864
In a speech given at the Sanitary Fair at Baltimore, President Lincoln cautions against retaliation.
June 7, 1864
Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson are elected by the Republican Party to run for a second term in office. The party convention is held in Baltimore, Maryland with the war still ongoing.
July 2, 1864
With Washinton, D.C. as the primary target, cavalry forces led by General Jubal Early raid into Maryland. The operation would span into July 13th.
July 9, 1864
The Battle of Monocacy in Frederick County, Maryland, sees a Union force (commanded by Lew Wallace) of 5,800 strong go up against a much larger Confederate army of 14,000. The successful delay of General Jubal Early's troops, en route to Washington, D.C., makes it a Union strategic victory. Washington, D.C. is reinforced in the mean time.
August 1, 1864
The Battle of Folck's Mill takes place. It is an inconclusive engagement. Also known as the Battle of Cumberland.
October 10, 1864
The state of Maryland adopts a new constitution aimed at officially ending the practice of slavery within its borders.
