On April 19, 1861, a violent confrontation erupted in Baltimore as a group of civilians opposed to the Union attacked troops from the Massachusetts militia. These soldiers were en route to Washington, D.C., to reinforce the capital amid increasing tensions following the outbreak of the Civil War. As they marched through a hostile Baltimore, the soldiers faced a barrage of thrown stones and hostile threats. The altercation quickly escalated into gunfire, resulting in casualties on both sides and leading to chaos in the streets. Local authorities struggled to regain control over the situation as the pro-Secession mood intensified among residents, many of whom were sympathetic to the Confederate cause. The causes of the riot were deeply rooted in the conflicting loyalties within Maryland, a border state with strong ties to both the North and South. The violence highlighted the growing divisions that would characterize the Civil War and illustrated the fear of federal authority in the secessionist territories.Following the riot, additional troops were dispatched to secure the area and prevent further unrest. The attacks led to a more significant military presence in Baltimore, as Union leaders recognized the importance of securing critical transportation routes to safeguard Washington, D.C. The riots not only marked one of the first instances of violent conflict between Union troops and civilians but also set a precedent for the civil unrest experienced in border states throughout the war. Local sentiment shifted dramatically, with many residents feeling emboldened by their actions against federal troops, complicating the Union's efforts to maintain stability in an increasingly divided nation.