This Day In Maryland’s History: The Heroic Stand That Earned Maryland The “Old Line State” Nickname

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — The Old Line State is Maryland’s most prominent nickname, but few know where the title actually comes from. The Maryland 400 were primarily a part of the First Maryland Regiment in the late 1700s, a unit that was formed to fight the British. Hundreds of brave soldiers faced a superior British force in the Battle of Long Island, but they fought the enemy with courage and dignity until the very end.

On Aug. 27, 1776, an epic battle took place in New York that would echo throughout the developing nation. General William Alexander, also known as Lord Stirling, commanded a group of soldiers consisting of the First Maryland Regiment and the First Delaware Regiment.

Washington knew that the British forces were on their way to New York, but he wasn’t yet sure where they might attack. Between Manhattan and Long Island, there were lots of possibilities. In the end, the British sent more than 10,000 men to fight on Long Island, setting the stage for the Maryland 400’s legend to be born.

Thousands of British soldiers attacked the Americans from the front and the back. Significantly outnumbered following this deadly attack, Lord Stirling commanded his men to retreat toward Brooklyn Heights by passing through Gowanus Creek, but about 400 soldiers stayed behind to act as guards.

The battle was fierce, especially when the British began firing at the Americans from an old stone house. Though the British had the cover, the Maryland 400 wasn’t going to let the enemy forces hold the line, so they charged the house with their muskets and bayonets, but the gunfire coming from inside was just too strong.

The Maryland 400 hadn’t given up yet. They charged the house a second and third time as well, proving their dedication to American independence. About 256 soldiers perished in this battle, while around 100 others were captured. Only a handful of the Maryland 400 managed to escape back to safe territory with their lives.

Though the tale of the Maryland 400 ends as a tragedy of war, it also serves as a reminder of those who sacrificed their lives so that their fellow soldiers may live, and ultimately, to secure independence for the United States. The intense battle stalled the British on that fateful August day, allowing Washington’s troops to regroup and create their next plan of action in New York.

Following the Battle of Long Island, General George Washington nicknamed Maryland the “Old Line State,” a title we still use today. Though historians debate whether the nickname can be attributed to the Long Island event, it remains a fitting title to honor the men who fought for American independence.

To learn more about the Maryland 400, visit nps.gov.

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