It was at the Battle of Brooklyn (also called the Battle of Long Island) during the American Revolution, that Maryland earned its nickname - a name paid for by the blood of its patriots in defense of American independence. The name - Old Line State.  It is said that General George Washington bestowed this name after the Pennsylvania and Delaware "Lines" collapsed and the Maryland Line, with about 290 soldiers, stood up against a British force of about 4,000 to allow General Washington's Continental Army a safe retreat. Less than 20 of the Maryland Line Troops made it back to the Continental Army.   America's True Patriots that hail from Maryland are proud to be known as the "OLD LINE PATRIOTS". 

                                 To read more about the History of the "Old Line State" click here.