About this Unit
The 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, commonly referred to as the 6th MASS, is renowned for its pivotal role in the early days of the American Civil War. Mustered into federal service in April 1861, the regiment gained national fame when its troops were attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore, Maryland, resulting in the first Union casualties of the war. Throughout its service, the 6th MASS participated in various operations, including the defense of Washington, D.C., and the occupation of key Southern territories. The unit's actions exemplified swift mobilization and dedication, marking it as one of the most notable early-war regiments in Union history.
Historical Facts
• Colonial Roots: The 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (6thMASS) traces its origins back to the colonial era, having first been organized in 1636, making it one of the oldest regiments in the United States.
• Lexington and Concord: Members of the 6thMASS participated in the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the opening engagements of the American Revolutionary War.
• Famous Civil War March: On April 19, 1861, the 6thMASS became the first regiment to respond to President Lincoln’s call for troops, marching through Baltimore, Maryland, where they encountered a violent mob, resulting in the first Union casualties of the Civil War.
• “The Minutemen of ’61”: Due to their rapid mobilization at the outbreak of the Civil War, they were nicknamed “The Minutemen of ’61,” referencing the Minutemen of the Revolutionary War.
• Baltimore Riot Legacy: Four soldiers from the 6thMASS were killed and dozens wounded during the Baltimore riot. The event intensified Northern resolve to fight the Confederacy.
• Poetic Tribute: The famous poet John Greenleaf Whittier wrote “The Massachusetts Line,” a poem honoring the sacrifice and bravery of the 6thMASS during the Baltimore riot.
• Spanish-American War: The 6thMASS was federalized and served in Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War in 1898, continuing its tradition of answering the nation’s call.
• Notable Commanders: Edward F. Jones, who led the regiment through Baltimore, later became a prominent figure in New York politics and business.
• Modern Descendants: The lineage of the 6thMASS continues in the modern Massachusetts National Guard, with elements tracing their history back to the original colonial militia.
• Legacy in Monuments: The bravery of the 6thMASS is commemorated by several monuments, including the 6th Regiment Monument in Lowell, Massachusetts, and a memorial in Baltimore dedicated to their sacrifice in 1861.
