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…