Baltimore Plot facts for kids
The Baltimore Plot was a secret plan in February 1861. Some people who supported slavery wanted to kill Abraham Lincoln. He was the President-elect of the United States at the time. The plan was to attack him while he was traveling to his inauguration. An inauguration is a special ceremony where a new president officially takes office.
What Was the Plan?
The plot aimed to stop Lincoln in Baltimore, Maryland. This city was a key stop on his train journey to Washington, D.C. People who wanted to keep slavery were very unhappy that Lincoln had been elected. They feared he would end slavery.
Lincoln's Security
Allan Pinkerton was a famous detective. He started the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Pinkerton was in charge of keeping Lincoln safe during his trip. Even today, historians discuss if the threat was truly serious. But Lincoln and his team certainly believed it was real. They took strong steps to protect him.
The Secret Journey
Lincoln was supposed to travel through Bellaire, Ohio, and Wheeling, Virginia. But his route was changed at the last minute. Instead, he went through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then into Maryland. He arrived secretly in Washington, D.C., on February 23, 1861. This was much earlier than expected.
Why the Secrecy?
Lincoln traveled in disguise to avoid being recognized. He wanted to make sure he reached Washington safely. Because of this secret trip, many people who didn't like Lincoln called him a coward. They made fun of him for hiding. This criticism continued for the rest of his time as president.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Allan Pinkerton from Harper's Weekly, 1884
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The crowd waiting for Lincoln was disappointed.
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"Passage Through Baltimore". President-elect Lincoln depicted ignominiously hiding in a cattle car by Adalbert J. Volck, 1863.
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"The MacLincoln Harrisburg Highland Fling", Vanity Fair, March 9, 1861
