Why is maryland the old line state

Today is March 25, It is the anniversary of our Statehood. As proud born Marylanders or transplanted Marylanders we have for years heard of our state called the old line state.

We also hear about the Mason Dixon Line as it relates to the survey of our border with Pennsylvania. Yes, Maryland got cheated, I am over it. The American Revolution was just starting. The new nation was in a vulnerable position. Support Preservation Maryland Today. Nicholas A. Redding In , American independence was anything but certain. Battle of Long Island, Alonzo Chappel.

Maryland monument in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to arriving well-drilled, they also were outfitted with surplus British equipment, including bayonets—an uncommon provision among Continental Army soldiers. Washington divided his army between Long Island and Manhattan, believing that an initial assault on Long Island may be a diversion for a larger attack on Manhattan. The British sent an advance force of roughly 4, soldiers to Long Island on August When Washington was notified of their arrival, he wrongly assumed that their presence confirmed his suspicion of a diversionary tactic, in part because he had been told the advance force numbered double its actual presence.

British troops continued to arrive in subsequent days, bringing their total force on Long Island to roughly 20, Finally, on the night of August 26, British troops began their move inland to confront the waiting, and vastly outnumbered, Continental Army.

Fierce fighting ensued, but the ultimate result was not in doubt—the British were simply too many. Lord Stirling ordered a retreat by all his forces, except for the Maryland regiment. Staying behind, they launched multiple attacks on the 2, British soldiers positioned at the Vechte-Cortelyou House. Of the Marylanders fighting, only a dozen made it back to the American lines. Most were killed; roughly were captured. General Washington expressed the opinion that they literally saved the Continental Army from complete destruction during the Battle of Long Island.

Many soldiers from the 13 original colonies of the United States who were fighting for independence from the British were untrained and poorly outfitted.