Disunion: Maryland, My Maryland

(NYTimes) ... Virginia’s secession threatened to place hostile forces right at Washington’s throat, but it was what Virginia’s decision augured for Maryland, which encloses the capital on three sides, that struck fear in unionist hearts. The assumption has always been that whatever Virginia was going to do about secession, Maryland would do as well, as though their common attachment to terrapin, horseflesh and tobacco would bind their destinies in lockstep. Were that to happen, the capital would surely be lost. Rebel forces would not have to march on Washington; they would merely have to roll out of bed. Continued

Photo: Hon. Thomas Holliday Hicks of Md. (Library of Congress).