THE HISTORY OF "OLD LINE" Our firm's name is a tribute to Maryland's state nickname - "The Old Line State" - a moniker earned by the courage, discipline and heroic sacrifices of Maryland's soldiers who held steadfast to the line in battle during the American Revolution. Preparation, Reputation, Dedication ■ Maryland’s regiments of ■ Significant training ■ The Maryland Line’s uniformed regulars were differentiated the Maryland reputation will be called the "Maryland Line." Line from other states' forever associated with troops. their heroic sacrifices at ■ The first incarnation of the the Battle of Long Island Maryland Line mobilized in ■ The Maryland Provincial and the ensuing defense December 1775 and early 1776. Convention believed that paid soldiers furnished with of the Continental Army rations and suits of clothes as it retreated. The Maryland Line earned a would be better soldiers, ■ reputation as saviors of the and established the ■ General George Continental Army and the Maryland Line as a regiment Washington remembered cause of independence. of uniformed regulars. the old line in his personal writings and ■ The performance and conduct ■ Uniformed regulars in the addressed the Maryland of the troop was a product of Line exemplified a cohesive, Line frequently in their time spent drilling disciplined unit, especially in correspondence with the together before joining the comparison to the throngs Maryland General ranks of the Continental Army. of untrained militia that Assembly and others. formed the bulk of the Continental Army. According " to popular tradition, George Washington bestowed his high esteem upon the Maryland Line after viewing their heroic stand at the Battle of Long Island. Given the order to defend the American withdrawal from Long Island, the Maryland Line saved the Continental Army from annihilation in the first major battle of the war. Washington described their efforts as an “hour more precious to American liberty than any other.” CREDIT: Holding the Line: “The Origin of the the Old Line State," Ryan Polk, Research Archivist, Maryland State Archives," 2005 OLDLINELOBBYING.COM | (410) 337-0500 | 210 WEST PENNSYLVANIA AVE., SUITE 200, BALTIMORE, MD 21204.