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Maryland in Broadsides
The fighting prowess of Confederate Marylanders and the steadfast loyalty of a great many Maryland Confederate sympathizers has been thoroughly documented in the annals of history. From the indomitable Maryland Line to the covert Doctor's Line, the majority of native Marylanders patriotically supported the South in virtually every conceivable manner. One manner of support that remained highly visible throughout the entire four year struggle was that of the broadside. A conspicuously large sheet of paper bearing a message, broadsides were used for recruiting purposes, for the dissemination of general orders and proclamations, or for the sheer exuberance of Southern pride and patriotism. By the end of the war, thousands of broadsides were printed throughout the Confederacy and points beyond. In the early months of the conflict, New York City was a surprisingly reliable source for Confederate broadsides. When the military tightened its reigns, however, production all but ceased. Baltimore continued to do its part in the production of Confederate broadsides despite enduring military occupation since May 1861. As early as 1863, Union authorities in the city were forced to pass ordinances banning the production and sale of all secessionist material, including broadsides. Today, many Confederate broadsides are maintained throughout the country in museums and libraries. The Maryland Historical Society possesses several, including James Ryder Randall's stirring call to arms, "Maryland!, My Maryland!" The largest collection in the entire country belongs to the Z. Smith Reynolds Library at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Its Confederate Broadside Poetry collection boasts over 250 patriotic examples. The vast majority were written by or about Marylanders. A sampling of those broadsides are linked below:
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