Brave Marylanders: A 250‑Year‑Old Fight That Saved a Nation

A long time ago, the British launched a massive fleet to New York. Washington’s army was outnumbered and in dire trouble. The British, reinforced by hired German soldiers, were ruthless—no prisoners were taken. Washington’s forces looked doomed.

The only hope lay in a swift retreat across the Gowanus marsh. But British troops were closing in, ready to block that escape. Washington sent the Maryland and Delaware regiments forward to hold the line. These young men, mostly in their early twenties, faced a formidable enemy.

They marched into heavy fire. Many fell, and the line seemed to collapse. Yet they did not flee. Instead, they regrouped in the smoke, reloaded, and charged again. The British fired hard, but the Marylanders pressed forward.

Even after losing many comrades and officers, they understood Washington’s army still needed time. They made a third stand, fighting with bayonets—knowing it might be their final act. They did not retreat again.

About 250 of these brave soldiers died that day, buying an hour for Washington’s army to escape safely. That hour saved the fledgling nation.

Because of this, Maryland earned the nickname “Old Line State.” The story reminds us that freedom is fragile and must be defended by ordinary people in extraordinary times. We honor those who gave everything, remembering that liberty is a gift worth protecting.