MARYLAND - Maryland is unique in that it officially recognizes two distinct nicknames, each rooted in a different, pivotal moment in its history. "The Old Line State" speaks to its Revolutionary War valor, while "The Free State" reflects a 20th-century spirit of defiance. Understanding these two names offers a glimpse into the proud and independent character of Maryland.
The Old Line State: A Revolutionary Honor
Maryland's most historic nickname is "The Old Line State," a title earned through heroic service during the American Revolution.
- Origin: The name is a tribute to the "Maryland Line," the state's contingent of regular, professional troops who served in the Continental Army. General George Washington repeatedly praised the Maryland Line for its remarkable bravery and for consistently "holding the line" against the British in numerous key battles, most famously at the Battle of Long Island in 1776, where they held off a much larger force, allowing the rest of the army to escape.
- Legacy: This nickname, bestowed by Washington himself, is a lasting testament to the courage and reliability of Maryland's soldiers in the fight for American independence.
The Free State: A Story of Prohibition-Era Defiance
Maryland's other official nickname, "The Free State," has a more recent and rebellious origin.
- Origin: This moniker was born during the era of national Prohibition in the 1920s. While the 18th Amendment banned alcohol nationwide, Maryland was the only state that refused to pass a state law to enforce it. A Baltimore newspaper editor, Hamilton Owens, began referring to Maryland as "the free state" to mock the federal government's overreach and celebrate Maryland's independent streak.
- Legacy: The name stuck and was officially adopted in 1947. It has come to represent Maryland's long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and its broader commitment to individual liberty.
Other Descriptive Monikers:
- "America in Miniature": This name refers to Maryland's incredibly diverse geography, which includes everything from the mountains of Western Maryland and the rolling hills of the Piedmont to the sandy dunes of the Atlantic coast and the marshlands of the Chesapeake Bay.
- "The Chesapeake Bay State": A simple, descriptive name honoring the massive estuary that defines the state's geography and culture.
Maryland's dual nicknames, "The Old Line State" and "The Free State," are more than just labels; they are historical declarations. Together, they tell the story of a state defined by both its heroic contributions to the nation's founding and its fierce, independent spirit.
Sources:
- Maryland State Archives (Maryland Manual Online)
- Maryland Historical Society
- Historical accounts of the American Revolution
- Histories of Prohibition in the United States
- Maryland Office of Tourism (VisitMaryland.org)
