John C. Blackburn

John C. Blackburn (died December 19, 1883) was an American politician and lawyer. He was Mayor of Baltimore temporarily during the American Civil War for 28 days, from September to October 1861.

Early life John C. Blackburn was born around 1808 or 1809 in Cecil County, Maryland. He moved to Baltimore around 1826. He worked as an instructor. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1830.

Blackburn succeeded George William Brown as ex officio Mayor of Baltimore on September 21, 1861 when Mayor Brown was arrested by federal authorities and imprisoned in Fort McHenry during the American Civil War. He succeeded Brown due to his role as president of the First Branch of City Council. Blackburn was never elected, but served as mayor for 28 days until he was succeeded by another temporary mayor, Charles J. Baker.

Personal life Blackburn died on December 19, 1883.

Legacy Blackburn was not listed in the record of Baltimore as a mayor until 1919. Historians did not know about his successor, another temporary mayor during the Civil War, Charles J. Baker, until 1989.