Southern Maryland Collection

Southern Maryland depended upon slavery to support its tobacco-growing economy, triggering a hotbed of southern sympathy. Several of its residents supported the Confederacy by spying or leading daring missions to provide troops with food, supplies and ammunition. Others joined the Confederate Army. Union troops searched homes and arrested locals for suspected disloyalty.

Explore the locales in Southern Maryland just beyond the outskirts of the nation’s capital, which found themselves at the crossroads of conflict. Discover the drama that unfolded where citizens covertly supported states in rebellion with the Union. 

To begin your journey, click the Trails button on the homescreen and select Southern Maryland Collection. For more information, pick up a John Wilkes Booth: Escape of an Assassin map guide at any Maryland welcome center or local visitor center, or visit www.civilwartrails.org.  

Photo Credit:

Searching for arms in a rebel’s house in Southern Maryland, from Harper’s Weekly, November 16, 1861.