Maryland, My Maryland: Music and Patriotism During the American Civil War

The Cary sisters Jennie and Hetty, and their cousin Constance, were so popular within their social and Confederate circles in Maryland and Virginia that they were “granted honorary ranks in the army” in the early years of the American Civil War (75). It was an impressive accolade for the relatives responsible for the initial success of the Confederate anthem Maryland, My Maryland. Jennie and Hetty set the song’s words to the familiar tune of O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree), while Constance aided the promotion and performance of the ballad alongside them. The story of their military promotions is just one of many captivating tales found within James A. Davis’s newest work Maryland, My Maryland: Music and Patriotism During the American Civil War