Ridiculous History CLASSIC: Maryland’s State Song was a Diss Track
Dec 14, 2024
Dive into the surprising backstory of Maryland's state song, which sounds innocent but harbors divisive lyrics calling out "Northern scum." The discussion highlights Maryland's complicated loyalties during the Civil War and explores the cultural significance of the song's pro-Confederate roots. Unpack the chaos of the Baltimore Riot of 1861, where local citizens clashed with Union troops, and discover how this controversial anthem continues to resonate in modern conversations about identity and history.
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Poem Turned Protest Song
- James Ryder Randall wrote a poem after friends died in the April 1861 Baltimore riot that became a song.
- The poem was later set to the tune of O Tannenbaum and adopted as a fiery pro-Confederate anthem.
Pratt Street Riot Details
- On April 19, 1861, Union troops passing through Baltimore triggered riots on Pratt Street with violent clashes.
- The hostile crowd attacked carriages, threw paving stones, and fired on soldiers during the chaotic passage.
Soldiers Pulled Through City
- Soldiers were hidden in train cars and pulled through the city by horses while crowds grew and attacked the coaches.
- After rocks and gunfire, some soldiers dismounted and marched under heavy fire toward Camden Station, suffering casualties.