Oct13th 1864, Maryland Constitution
The Maryland Constitution of 1864 was the third of the four constitutions which have governed the U.S. state of Maryland. A controversial product of the Civil War and in effect only until 1867, when the state’s present constitution was adopted, the 1864 document was short-lived.
To end slavery, Maryland had to write a new constitution.
Governor Augustus W. Bradford, in his annual message of 1864 to the General Assembly, sought passage of a constitutional convention bill. The predominently Unionist legislature promptly complied, and the electorate approved the call for a convention.
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1864 were elected by the voters on April 6, 1864. The convention convened in Annapolis on April 27, 1864, and adjourned on September 6, 1864. A state-wide referendum was held October 12 and 13, 1864, with special provisions were made to allow soldiers in the field to vote, and Governor Bradford certified the election totals on October 29. The third state constitution, which abolished slavery in Maryland, went into effect November 1, 1864.
Compiled by: DurreShahwar
