Baltimore Sanitary Fair: Baltimore's Changing Tide as Lincoln Speaks

History: Maryland throughout the Civil War stood divided, until the wars' latter days in the spring of 1864. The Maryland State Fair for United States Soldier Relief, known as the Baltimore Sanitary Fair, contributed to stemming the secessionist tide, bringing together citizens and organizations to raise relief money for soldiers – around $80,000.

To garner support, President Abraham Lincoln was invited, and he presented a speech at the Maryland Institute on the evening of April 18, 1864. The speech focused on Baltimore's unifying changes: "...the soldiers of the Union, it occurs at once that three years ago, the same soldiers could not so much as pass through Baltimore. The change from then till now, is both great and gratifying."

Lincoln's address was welcomed, which contributed toward Baltimore as the choice location for the Republican National Convention. After his speech, Lincoln traveled back to Mt. Vernon Square where he spent the night.

More to Explore: The Mount Vernon area is a cultural hot spot. While in the area, take in a chamber music concert at the Peabody Institute, or see the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra or one of the many talented artists at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Browse the internationally-renowned Walter's Art Museum and don't miss the Maryland Historical Society Museum with its Divided Voices: Maryland in the Civil War exhibit, with Lincoln-related artifacts on display.

The building where Lincoln once gave his speech no longer stands, but is now part of Market Place on East Baltimore Street. There you can find an energetic scene that hosts many opportunities for a great time. Good eating, music, and many forms of entertainment meet at Market Place. Whether heading for a concert at Rams Head Live or Baltimore Soundstage, you are in for a good evening. If you are traveling with children, check out Port Discovery Museum, which offers hands-on exhibits that allow kids to query, climb, and create. Baltimore is the spot for fun with family and friends.

Photo Credits:

1. "Drawing of the Interior of the Institute of Maryland in April of 1864." Print courtesy of Baltimore City Archives, Maryland State Archives: Kummerow Collection.
2. "Photograph of President Abraham Lincoln." Photo courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division