LEONARDTOWN, MD – In a solemn remembrance of one of the darkest chapters of the American Civil War, the St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division is set to honor the 87 lives claimed by a tragic maritime accident on the Potomac near St. Clement’s Island. The incident, linked to the nationwide manhunt for President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth, will be commemorated on April 21, 2024, with a series of memorial activities.
The daylong event, hosted at the St. Clement’s Island Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., promises an educational and reflective experience for all attendees. Highlights of the free public event include museum tours, boat rides, a folk concert, and a military ceremony underscored by remarks from the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Base Commander and a ceremonial wreath laying by the waterfront.
This tragic event occurred in April 1865 when the barge Black Diamond was stationed on the Potomac River near St. Clement’s Island to prevent John Wilkes Booth from crossing after the assassination of President Lincoln. The barge collided with the steamer Massachusetts, leading to the Black Diamond sinking in under three minutes and resulting in the loss of 87 lives.
The commemoration seeks not only to honor those lost but also to educate the public on this lesser-known nautical disaster and its significance during the Civil War. Activities for the day include free water taxi rides to St. Clement’s Island, with the last taxi departing at 3 p.m., and access to special exhibits detailing the Black Diamond tragedy.
Adding a unique touch to the event, local artist Angela Wathen has donated an original painting depicting the fatal collision between the Black Diamond and the Massachusetts, offering attendees a visual connection to the historical event. The painting, inspired by period photographs and thought to be the only known portrayal of the incident, will become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.
The day’s events will conclude with a reception and a waterfront lawn concert by the Sibling Rivalry Fiddle Band. This family-friendly performance will feature Civil War-era music and American folk tunes, performed by a talented group of teenage siblings from Fredericksburg.
In addition to the day’s free activities, the 2024 Dinner and a Cruise Series will kick off with a theme dedicated to “The Civil War and St. Clement’s Island,” although advance reservations are required for this particular event, with only 20 tickets available.
For more information or to reserve your spot for the cruise, contact St. Clement’s Island Museum at (301) 769-2222 or visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/SCIMuseum.
