Baltimore Riot Trail: Last Shots at Camden Station

History: On April 19, 1861, Captain Albert S. Follansbee's federal units along with Major Benjamin Watson's men continued their advance to Camden Station to board trains bound for Washington, D.C. When Follansbee's men reached Camden Station, the mob renewed its assault, motivated by a man waving a secessionist banner. The soldiers aboard the waiting train opened fire to repulse them. The crowd continued advancing, brandishing knives and guns, so Colonel Edward Jones ordered the train cars' blinds drawn shut to discourage further attack. The final shot came from the departing train, killing wealthy merchant Robert Davis.

That night, secessionists burned railroad bridges north of the city and President Lincoln suspended troop movements. Within a month, Union General Benjamin F. Butler occupied Federal Hill, promising to shell Baltimore if trouble occurred. The city remained relatively quiet for the rest of the war.

More to Explore: Baltimore is always a great place to spend time with family and friends as there are limitless attractions, museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Numerous events bring people together with a wide variety of interests.

See the Sports Legends Museum inside Camden Station. It now holds a temporary exhibit, The Civil War and Camden Station.

While in the area, enjoy a ball game at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, and see the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum. Then grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants at Harbor Place and the Gallery or along Pratt Street.

Photo Credits:

1. "First Blood. Painting of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment leaving Baltimore by train under the onslaught of the rioters." Print courtesy of the artist: Shelley Wilson, http://portraitsbyshelley.com/
2. "Print shows troops from the 6th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment firing into an unruly mob of southern sympathizers who are blocking the street."
3. “Photograph of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, Camden Station.” Prints courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.