Baltimore & Harbor Magic Hotels pay tribute to The Civil War

Baltimore & Harbor Magic Hotels are honored to pay tribute The Civil War - Patriotism, honor, slavery and civil liberties, these were the issues that Marylanders faced in 1861.  Baltimore, a divided city in a divided state in a divided nation, witnessed the first bloodshed, known as the Pratt Street Riot, in a conflict that gave America a “new birth of freedom.”  Baltimore and Maryland commemorate the turbulent years in which the city was occupied and the state became a battleground with a number of upcoming special events. Here are a few of our favorite events happening the weekend of April 15-17 2011…

Riots, Railroads and the Coming of Mr. Lincoln
Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday April 15th, Saturday April 16th & Sunday April 17th
Sports Legends at Historic Camden Station, located within walking distance of Harbor Magic’s Brookshire Suites

The exhibition, Riots, Railroads and the Coming of Mr. Lincoln, continues at the Sports Legends Museum at Historic Camden Station. Housed in the former Camden Station and site of the original Gentlemen’s Waiting Room, the exhibition marks the first visit of President Abraham Lincoln to the station, while also exploring Civil War events and American railroading. The exhibition focuses on President Lincoln’s trips through Baltimore – on the way to his inauguration, his trip to Gettysburg to deliver his famous address and his final passage home.  It also reviews the clash between Federal troops and Southern sympathizers, now known as the Pratt Street Riot, and explores the role of the station in Union operations during the war. 

Civil War Encampment – Bastion of Liberty or Symbol of Despotism?
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday April 16th
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, a water taxi ride away from The Pier 5 Hotel, The Admiral Fell Inn AND The Brookshire Suites

During the weekend, visitors will be able to experience Fort McHenry as it was in 1861. Union soldiers, fife and drum concerts, cannon-firing demonstrations, and children’s activities all bring to life Fort McHenry at the beginning of the Civil War.  Before coming to Fort McHenry, visitors are encouraged to view the Grand Procession (see below).  Events then shift to Fort McHenry with afternoon fife and drum concerts, cannon-firing and a 4 p.m. dress parade.  Free!

Candlelight Tours at Fort McHenry 
6 – 9 p.m. Saturday April 16th
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, a water taxi ride away from The Pier 5 Hotel, The Admiral Fell Inn AND The Brookshire Suites
 
Discover how various people viewed the outbreak of America’s greatest conflict during the 40-minute guided tours.  Visitors will “meet” free African-Americans, recently recruited Union volunteers, imprisoned Confederate sympathizers (including Francis Scott Key’s grandson) and enslaved African-Americans. What did the war mean for them? Why did thousands of young people choose to enlist and fight in 1861? Learn why the American flag during the Civil War was a potent symbol as it was when Francis Scott Key saw it and wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  Free.

To take part in these festivities for the weekend book an overnight hotel room  at Harbor Magic’s  Pier 5 Hotel, The Admiral Fell Inn AND The Brookshire Suites by CLICKING HERE or call me directly at 410-951-1667 to learn about the other Civil War Events going on the weekend of April 15-17 2011.