The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

‘Avenge the Patriotic Gore That Flecked the Streets of Baltimore’

Posted on | April 15, 2011 | 5 Comments

The state song, “Maryland, My Maryland” (sung to the tune of “O Tannenbaum”) is actually a pro-Confederate anthem written in 1861. The “patriotic gore” was shed by 12 secessionist civilians shot dead by Union troops in Baltimore on April 19 of that year. And as for the song’s lyrics in the ninth verse — “Huzza! she spurns the Northern scum!” — well, not so much, when it comes to commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Baltimore riot:

I’ve heard that Confederate reenactors and the Maryland Division of the SCV’s color guard were denied participation in the event, based on historical accuracy guidelines. The Division color guard of the SCV regularly participates in the Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. with no issues.
Delving farther into the “historical accuracy” guidelines, I’ve heard numerous facts that show that [Baltimore Office of Promotions and Arts] Director of Special Events Shelia Goodwin really has no consistency in any of the policies or enforcement of them. . . .
The Federal City Brass Band will be portraying the 6th Massachusetts Band during this procession even though the 6th Massachusetts didn’t even have instruments when they entered Baltimore on April 19, 1861. The Federal City Brass Band is rumored to be one of the parties behind the exclusion of the SCV or Confederate reenactors.

More at Inside Charm City.

Category: History, Maryland

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