Meet the Civil War First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment on Pinkney Street! Learn about their recruiting efforts in August and September of 1862 to replace troops lost at the battle of Front Royal, as well as reintegrate the prisoners to be exchanged and paroled at Camp Parole.

This is a drop-in style program. Visitors may join at any time during program hours and explore at their own pace through informal interaction and demonstrations. Advance registration recommended but not required.

Cost: Free ($5 suggested donation)

About our Presenters:

The Original First Maryland mustered into the United States service in Baltimore, MD in May 1861, for three years of service. It was stationed at various places in Maryland during the ensuing year, doing guard duty most of the time along the Upper Potomac and C&O Canal. In March 1862, it crossed into Virginia with Banks’ troops and moved up the Shenandoah Valley. The regiment was stationed at Front Royal, Va., where, on May 23, 1862, it was surrounded and cut off by Jackson’s rapid movement. Their gallant opposition retarded Jackson’s advance, giving Banks ample time to withdraw in safety from the Valley. The regiment was paroled in September, and two months later it was declared exchanged. In the meantime, the small part of the regiment which had escaped capture, together with some recruits, preserved the organization and was assigned to the Maryland Brigade (First, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Maryland). In March 1863, this brigade was assigned to Kelly’s Division, Eighth Corps, and served in the West Virginia campaign. Upon Lee’s invasion, the brigade retired to Maryland, where, on July 10, 1863, it was assigned to the First Corps. In March 1864, it was transferred to the Fifth Corps. The regiment re-enlisted, and on its return from its veteran furlough the battalion of veterans arrived at the Harris Farm just in time to enter that action, its loss there amounting to 6 killed, 29 wounded, and 2 missing; a heavy percentage of loss as only a small number were engaged. Colonel Dushane was killed at Weldon Road, and Colonel Wilson fell at Dabney’s Mills. The men served with distinction till the end of the war.

First Maryland Living History

The First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment has been an active living history group since its formation in 1972. The organization is made up of dedicated volunteers who have an interest in the history of the Civil War period and strive to accurately portray the life of the common soldier or civilians from the State of Maryland. The First is involved in living history demonstrations, authentic encampments, educational lectures, ceremonial events, and battle reenactments across the Mid-Atlantic region. Occasionally, the unit travels beyond the mid-Atlantic as the ELF Mess. The group takes part in programs regularly in national and state parks; a privilege reserved for organizations with high state discipline and authenticity. A wide variety of events take place every year. The First designates one event each month as a company event, at which we urge our members to turn out.

Accessibility: Part of this program takes place at Hogshead Trades Museum and requires ascending and descending a flight of stairs. There are no restrooms on site.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Historic Annapolis reserves the right to cancel or alter any programs. Unless otherwise stated, all tickets are non-refundable. 

Photography Policy: Historic Annapolis reserves the right to take photographs and video footage of people of all ages at Historic Annapolis-sponsored events for publicity. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please opt out by notifying Historic Annapolis staff.