First Light Division, Maryland Volunteers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 1st Light Division |
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Major General George H. Steuart reviews the Maryland Militia at Camp Frederick, 1843
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| Active | c1841 – 1861 |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch | Regular Army |
| Type | Division |
| Part of | Forces Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Engagements | Harper's Ferry |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Major General George H. Steuart |
The First Light Division of Maryland Volunteers was a special army group. It was made up of volunteers from Baltimore, Maryland. This group started around 1841. Its leader was a general named George H. Steuart.
Some parts of this division helped stop John Brown's raid in 1859. This raid was an attempt to start a rebellion. But when the American Civil War began in 1861, the division faced a big problem. Many of its members, especially the leaders, wanted to leave the Union. They wanted to join the Confederate States of America.
However, Maryland decided to stay with the Union during the war. Because of this, the First Light Division was officially ended. Many of its members then left Maryland. They traveled south to fight for the Confederacy.
History of the Division
In 1833, several army groups in Baltimore joined together. They formed a larger unit called a brigade. George H. Steuart was promoted to lead this brigade. From 1841 to 1861, he was the Commander of the First Light Division. This division was part of the Maryland Volunteer Militia. He was the main leader of Maryland's volunteers until the Civil War.
The First Light Division had two main parts, called brigades. These were the 1st Light Brigade and the 2nd Brigade. The First Brigade included soldiers who rode horses (cavalry). It also had artillery (cannons) and infantry (foot soldiers). The 2nd Brigade had riflemen and more infantry. It also included a special group called the Battalion of Baltimore City Guards.
Each small group of volunteers had its own uniform. These uniforms looked very different from one another. For example, the Baltimore City Guard started in 1857. Their hats were made of bearskin. People said these hats were "taller than" those worn by famous British soldiers. Their coats were dark blue with gold trim. Their pants were light blue.
Another group, the Independent Greys, wore different uniforms. They had grey coats with black edges. Their pants were white.
Stopping John Brown's Raid
In 1859, some parts of the First Light Division helped stop a major event. This was John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. John Brown tried to start a rebellion of enslaved people. General Steuart personally led six groups of soldiers. These groups included the City Guard and Law Greys from Baltimore. Other groups came from the city of Frederick. They all worked to end the raid.
The Civil War Begins
When the American Civil War started in 1861, the First Light Division faced a tough choice. Many of its members, including General Steuart, wanted to leave the United States. They wanted to join the Southern states that formed the Confederate States of America.
However, Maryland decided to stay loyal to the Union. Because Maryland did not leave the Union, the First Light Division had to be broken up. Many of its soldiers and leaders left Maryland. They went south to join the Confederate army and fight for their cause.
