Federal Hill

History: On May 13, 1861, US General Benjamin E. Butler's troops occupied Federal Hill. For the next four years the hill was garrisoned by 10 different regiments, and served as a strategic Union strong point to control Confederate sympathizers within Baltimore. On July 27, the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry, led by Col. Abram Duryee, pitched its tents here. After Duryee's second in command, Lt. Col. Gouverneur Kemble Warren, proposed a fort here, ground was broken on August 24. When Duryee was promoted to general, Warren took command as colonel. Laboring in 400-man shifts, a massive earthworks was constructed here. The first artillery piece was mounted on October 1, and by the end of the month, 42 guns were added. Within the ramparts, regimental carpenters built officers' quarters and barracks sufficient for 1,000 soldiers.

More to Explore: The Inner Harbor offers a wide variety of waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment. Get out on the water and take a tour on one of the many excursion boats, or take a walk along the harbor. The National Aquarium, Port Discovery, Maryland Science Center, American Visionary Arts Museum, Power Plant Live! and Harborplace are some of the most popular attractions within the area.

Photo Credits:

1. “Baltimore from Federal Hill by William James Bennett, 1831.” Courtesy of Library of Congress.