The Mobtown Massacre was a significant riot in 1812 at the Baltimore city jail, triggered by an attack on Alexander Hanson, a federalist newspaper publisher. This violent event, rooted in political tensions, marked the first fatal assault on the concept of a free press in the U.S. and had lasting implications during the War of 1812, ultimately leading to Hanson's decline in public life and early death at 33.

1. Courtesy Maryland Historical Society
By Josh S. Cutler
Alexander Hanson and
the Mobtown Massacre

2. Thank you to the Franklin
Historical Museum &
Rep. Jeff Roy

3. What was the Mobtown Massacre?
• Bloody riot at Baltimore City Jail in summer of 1812
• Provoked by Alexander Hanson’s Federalist newspaper.
• Partisan mob violently attacked Hanson after he and
small band of men took up arms to defend newspaper.
• Aftermath shocked nation and impacted War of 1812
• Nation’s first fatal attack on free press

4. • Born Feb. 27, 1786 in Annapolis
• Graduated St. John’s College in 1802
• Admitted to bar in 1803
• Married Priscilla Dorsey in 1805
• Launched newspaper in 1808
Courtesy Baltimore Museum of Art
Who was Alexander Contee Hanson, Jr.

5. Hanson Family

6. Federal Republican &
Commercial Gazette

7. The Duel:
Hanson vs. Gordon
Courtesy “Hamilton”

8. President Madison
declares war

9. The Editorial
“Thou has done a deed, whereat valor will weep.
Without funds, without taxes, without an army,
navy, or adequate fortifications…our rulers have
promulgated a war against the clear and decided
sentiments of a vast majority of the nation. …”
—Federal Republican, Saturday, June 20, 1812

10. The First Attack

11. Hanson’s recruits
LinganLee Payne

12. The ‘Spartan Band’
Courtesy Maryland Historical Society

13. “Fort Hanson”
45 South Charles Street
A Mobocracy...Five weeks have elapsed since the
suspension of this journal.... The outrages of the
Mob, implicitly sanctioned if not originated by the
highest authorities in the country, are resolvable
into a single point—a daring and desperate
attempt to intimidate and overawe the minority, to
destroy the freedom of speech and of the press.
—Federal Republican, July 27, 1812

14. The Second Attack

15. The Mob
Dr. Thaddeus Gale

16. The Jail

17. The Massacre

18. Makings of Mobtown
The devoted city of
Baltimore is completely
given up to the domination
of a mob more savage and
inhuman than the ruffians
of the French revolution.
—Frederick-Town Herald,
August 1, 1812

19. Federalists Rally

20. Hanson on Trial

21. Mr. Hanson goes
to Washington

22. • Elected U.S. Congressman
• Youngest U.S. Senator
• Rising star, celebrated as Fed. hero
• Grew disillusioned & depressed
• Caused rift with Federalist Party
• Never recovered from injuries
• Turned to farming and agriculture
• Died at age 33 in relative obscurity
Alexander Hanson 1786-1819

23. Mobtown Massacre
• Published by History Press, imprint
of Arcadia Publishing
• Available at area bookshops and
online booksellers.
• All royalties benefit local historical
societies
THANK YOU!