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Good Evening Museum Patrons!
Do you know what today is?
It's the 161st Anniversary of 1859 Baltimore Election Riot!
Do you know what today is?
It's the 161st Anniversary of 1859 Baltimore Election Riot!
Baltimore's 1859 Election Riot is one of the most important riots in Baltimore history. Why?
Because this riot results in Baltimore losing control of its police force to the State of Maryland. @baltimorepolice is still a state agency.
Because this riot results in Baltimore losing control of its police force to the State of Maryland. @baltimorepolice is still a state agency.
What happens during the riot?
The Know-Nothings attack their opposition brutally and effectively. According to Severn Teackle Wallis (seen here), the Know-Nothing seized control of the polling station in his ward within 30 minutes of the election starting and held them.
The Know-Nothings attack their opposition brutally and effectively. According to Severn Teackle Wallis (seen here), the Know-Nothing seized control of the polling station in his ward within 30 minutes of the election starting and held them.
Fighting was not confined to polling locations. People were shot at, pelted with bricks, and assaulted in fisticuffs throughout Baltimore.
Multiple people are killed. Many more are wounded.
Multiple people are killed. Many more are wounded.
Ultimately, the Know-Nothings win at the ballot box and on the streets of Baltimore.
However, the Know-Nothings's victories are short lived. The rest of Maryland has grown weary of their nonsense and has decided to take action.
What does the State of Maryland do?
However, the Know-Nothings's victories are short lived. The rest of Maryland has grown weary of their nonsense and has decided to take action.
What does the State of Maryland do?
The General Assembly stripped Baltimore of local control of its police department. The state, while giving the Baltimore's mayor a vote, will decide how Baltimore is policed.
It voided out the election and refused to seat or recognize the Know-Nothing delegates.
It voided out the election and refused to seat or recognize the Know-Nothing delegates.
