Massachusetts Militia Passing Through Baltimore, an 1861 engraving of the Baltimore riot.

Lowell Historical Society Presents a Series on Lowell’s Sixth Regiment in the Civil War and Beyond 

Richard P. Howe Jr., the Middlesex North Register of Deeds and a former President of the Lowell Historical Society, will present a two lecture series on Lowell’s Sixth Regiment and the Civil War this spring. The first -on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 11:30a.m. at the Lowell National Park Visitor’s Center, 246 Market Street in Lowell – will focus on the Baltimore riot. There is no admission charge.

From the Lowell Historical Society Newsletter:  “The Road to Baltimore” by Richard P. Howe, Jr.

 “When President Lincoln’s initial call for troops arrived, Governor Andrew sent back a simple response: “Where do you want them and by what route are they to get there?” Secretary of War Cameron telegraphed Andrew that Baltimore was calm and the troops coming to Washington should travel by rail. Departing from the previously prepared movement plans that would have avoided Baltimore, the Sixth left Boston by train late in the day on April 17. Two days later the men from Lowell and their comrades were fighting for their lives in the streets of Baltimore.”

The second lecture, on Sunday, April 23, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium’s Hall of Flags, will discuss the experience of the veterans of the Sixth Regiment through the rest of the Civil War and in post-war Lowell. Both lectures are co-sponsored by the Lowell Historical Society and the Greater Lowell Veteran’s Council.