The Old Line State

by Mary Jo

Most states have nicknames that reflect their nature and sometimes show up on license plates. California is the Golden State, New Hampshire is the Granite State, Kansas is the Sunflower State, and so on. (I think Arizona's motto must be, "But it's a DRY heat!" <G>)

US&MarylandFlagOne of Maryland's nicknames is the Old Line State. Not being a native, I had only a vague knowledge of the origin of that: something about a Revolutionary War battle in which a Maryland regiment bravely held the line against the British. I didn't know any more until I read an article in the Baltimore Sun.

The battle that inspired the nickname was the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27th–August 30th, 1776. The revolution was new. The British had been pushed back in New England after the Siege of Boston, the traitorous colonials had had the audacity to issue a Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, and Britain was going to end this nonsense RIGHT NOW, a mere six weeks after independence was declared.

 

Wanting to crush the rebels, the Empire sent 32,000 troops, both seasoned British army regulars and tough Hessian mercenaries. The idea was to crush the inexperienced Continental Army under General George Washington, which was in New York guarding the strategically important harbor. Destroy the army, cut the rebellious colonies in half, and be home in time for Christmas.

But that didn't happen. I've read that the Battle of Brooklyn (also known as the ArmyArtilleryRetreatfromBrooklynBattle of Long Island) was the largest of the war in terms of troop numbers, and also the bloodiest. Hammered by the British, the untested Continental Army largely fell apart and withdrew.

Fighting on swampy ground, the 1st Maryland regiment was holding down the right end of the line. Over half the men were able to retreat with the rest of the rebel army, but a group called the Maryland 400 stood their ground. (The number was probably nearer 270.)

BattleoflongislandIt's not clear if they were trapped and had to keep fighting, or that they were really brave and really stubborn. Whatever their motivations, they charged the enemy again and again, blocking the advance of the British troops and allowing the battered Continental Army to ferry all 9000 surviving troops to lower Manhattan with no further casualties. 

Watching from a hilltop, it's said that Washington wept and said, "My God, what brave men I must this day lose!"

As for the Marylanders–numbers vary, but I've read that 256 of the 270 Maryland soldiers were killed and buried in an unmarked grave. Excavations are currently going on at a Brooklyn site that might be where their bones were laid to rest.

175thAnniversaryCommemorativeStamp1951Though the Continental Army was defeated, Washington's successful retreat saved his army, and the revolution. (Commemorated by the 175th anniversary stamp issued in 1951, left.)

And Maryland earned the proud title "The Old Line State."

There's a memorial monument to the brave soldiers in MemorialPlaqueinProspectPark Prospect Park in Brooklyn.  Other states, other countries, also have their heritage stories that may not be well known outside the area. What stories has your part of the world earned?

Mary Jo

150 thoughts on “The Old Line State”

  1. Lol, Mary Jo, you’re right about Arizona, it is a dry heat (except for this month, August, but even our humidity is pretty dry). However, our nickname is Grand Canyon State. It’s on our license plates. Interestingly, the full name is “Grand Canyon of the Colorado,” referring to the Colorado River, which tends to throw people off in Trivial Pursuit. Me, in fact, just before I moved here over 30 years ago. Took a long time to live that one down.

    Reply
  2. Lol, Mary Jo, you’re right about Arizona, it is a dry heat (except for this month, August, but even our humidity is pretty dry). However, our nickname is Grand Canyon State. It’s on our license plates. Interestingly, the full name is “Grand Canyon of the Colorado,” referring to the Colorado River, which tends to throw people off in Trivial Pursuit. Me, in fact, just before I moved here over 30 years ago. Took a long time to live that one down.

    Reply
  3. Lol, Mary Jo, you’re right about Arizona, it is a dry heat (except for this month, August, but even our humidity is pretty dry). However, our nickname is Grand Canyon State. It’s on our license plates. Interestingly, the full name is “Grand Canyon of the Colorado,” referring to the Colorado River, which tends to throw people off in Trivial Pursuit. Me, in fact, just before I moved here over 30 years ago. Took a long time to live that one down.

    Reply
  4. Lol, Mary Jo, you’re right about Arizona, it is a dry heat (except for this month, August, but even our humidity is pretty dry). However, our nickname is Grand Canyon State. It’s on our license plates. Interestingly, the full name is “Grand Canyon of the Colorado,” referring to the Colorado River, which tends to throw people off in Trivial Pursuit. Me, in fact, just before I moved here over 30 years ago. Took a long time to live that one down.

    Reply
  5. Lol, Mary Jo, you’re right about Arizona, it is a dry heat (except for this month, August, but even our humidity is pretty dry). However, our nickname is Grand Canyon State. It’s on our license plates. Interestingly, the full name is “Grand Canyon of the Colorado,” referring to the Colorado River, which tends to throw people off in Trivial Pursuit. Me, in fact, just before I moved here over 30 years ago. Took a long time to live that one down.

    Reply
  6. Well, we’re called the “Show-Me State” because Representative said in a Congressional debate “I’m from Missouri and you’ll have to show me!” I think many people know that. What they may not know is his name: Vandiver. I learned his name after we moved here. Vandiver is a street name in Columbia, MO. After we moved here, I learned that the street was named in his honor. And, by the way, at least in Columbia, the accent is on the first syllable — there is no “diver” in Vandiver.
    This ia not a heroic story. We do have our heroes, but nothing so valiant as those Maryland men!

    Reply
  7. Well, we’re called the “Show-Me State” because Representative said in a Congressional debate “I’m from Missouri and you’ll have to show me!” I think many people know that. What they may not know is his name: Vandiver. I learned his name after we moved here. Vandiver is a street name in Columbia, MO. After we moved here, I learned that the street was named in his honor. And, by the way, at least in Columbia, the accent is on the first syllable — there is no “diver” in Vandiver.
    This ia not a heroic story. We do have our heroes, but nothing so valiant as those Maryland men!

    Reply
  8. Well, we’re called the “Show-Me State” because Representative said in a Congressional debate “I’m from Missouri and you’ll have to show me!” I think many people know that. What they may not know is his name: Vandiver. I learned his name after we moved here. Vandiver is a street name in Columbia, MO. After we moved here, I learned that the street was named in his honor. And, by the way, at least in Columbia, the accent is on the first syllable — there is no “diver” in Vandiver.
    This ia not a heroic story. We do have our heroes, but nothing so valiant as those Maryland men!

    Reply
  9. Well, we’re called the “Show-Me State” because Representative said in a Congressional debate “I’m from Missouri and you’ll have to show me!” I think many people know that. What they may not know is his name: Vandiver. I learned his name after we moved here. Vandiver is a street name in Columbia, MO. After we moved here, I learned that the street was named in his honor. And, by the way, at least in Columbia, the accent is on the first syllable — there is no “diver” in Vandiver.
    This ia not a heroic story. We do have our heroes, but nothing so valiant as those Maryland men!

    Reply
  10. Well, we’re called the “Show-Me State” because Representative said in a Congressional debate “I’m from Missouri and you’ll have to show me!” I think many people know that. What they may not know is his name: Vandiver. I learned his name after we moved here. Vandiver is a street name in Columbia, MO. After we moved here, I learned that the street was named in his honor. And, by the way, at least in Columbia, the accent is on the first syllable — there is no “diver” in Vandiver.
    This ia not a heroic story. We do have our heroes, but nothing so valiant as those Maryland men!

    Reply
  11. Re: the Push back in New England, Did you know there never was a battle at Bunker Hill?
    The actual battle was fought at Breeds Hill. I am not sure why the battle was missnamed – perhaps Bunker hill sounds better than Breeds hill.
    I currently live in New Jersey, known as the garden state. Garden as in truck garden, vegetable supplier to NYC, at one time. Now it is mostly entirely to urbanized.

    Reply
  12. Re: the Push back in New England, Did you know there never was a battle at Bunker Hill?
    The actual battle was fought at Breeds Hill. I am not sure why the battle was missnamed – perhaps Bunker hill sounds better than Breeds hill.
    I currently live in New Jersey, known as the garden state. Garden as in truck garden, vegetable supplier to NYC, at one time. Now it is mostly entirely to urbanized.

    Reply
  13. Re: the Push back in New England, Did you know there never was a battle at Bunker Hill?
    The actual battle was fought at Breeds Hill. I am not sure why the battle was missnamed – perhaps Bunker hill sounds better than Breeds hill.
    I currently live in New Jersey, known as the garden state. Garden as in truck garden, vegetable supplier to NYC, at one time. Now it is mostly entirely to urbanized.

    Reply
  14. Re: the Push back in New England, Did you know there never was a battle at Bunker Hill?
    The actual battle was fought at Breeds Hill. I am not sure why the battle was missnamed – perhaps Bunker hill sounds better than Breeds hill.
    I currently live in New Jersey, known as the garden state. Garden as in truck garden, vegetable supplier to NYC, at one time. Now it is mostly entirely to urbanized.

    Reply
  15. Re: the Push back in New England, Did you know there never was a battle at Bunker Hill?
    The actual battle was fought at Breeds Hill. I am not sure why the battle was missnamed – perhaps Bunker hill sounds better than Breeds hill.
    I currently live in New Jersey, known as the garden state. Garden as in truck garden, vegetable supplier to NYC, at one time. Now it is mostly entirely to urbanized.

    Reply
  16. I live in the Lone Star State….most people know about the Alamo, and all the Texas lore.
    I was born in Indiana – Hoosier state (supposedly because people would say “Who’s there? when they approached a cabin.
    At one point in the country’s history, Indiana was the Northwestern frontier. George Rogers Clark was a military hero in the area. He was the elder brother of William Clark…of Lewis and Clark fame.
    There was a period of time when that area was the scene of many violent battles with Indians. Clark captured several chiefs who had been supporting the French against the British.
    Depending on the time – we were either with or against the British.

    Reply
  17. I live in the Lone Star State….most people know about the Alamo, and all the Texas lore.
    I was born in Indiana – Hoosier state (supposedly because people would say “Who’s there? when they approached a cabin.
    At one point in the country’s history, Indiana was the Northwestern frontier. George Rogers Clark was a military hero in the area. He was the elder brother of William Clark…of Lewis and Clark fame.
    There was a period of time when that area was the scene of many violent battles with Indians. Clark captured several chiefs who had been supporting the French against the British.
    Depending on the time – we were either with or against the British.

    Reply
  18. I live in the Lone Star State….most people know about the Alamo, and all the Texas lore.
    I was born in Indiana – Hoosier state (supposedly because people would say “Who’s there? when they approached a cabin.
    At one point in the country’s history, Indiana was the Northwestern frontier. George Rogers Clark was a military hero in the area. He was the elder brother of William Clark…of Lewis and Clark fame.
    There was a period of time when that area was the scene of many violent battles with Indians. Clark captured several chiefs who had been supporting the French against the British.
    Depending on the time – we were either with or against the British.

    Reply
  19. I live in the Lone Star State….most people know about the Alamo, and all the Texas lore.
    I was born in Indiana – Hoosier state (supposedly because people would say “Who’s there? when they approached a cabin.
    At one point in the country’s history, Indiana was the Northwestern frontier. George Rogers Clark was a military hero in the area. He was the elder brother of William Clark…of Lewis and Clark fame.
    There was a period of time when that area was the scene of many violent battles with Indians. Clark captured several chiefs who had been supporting the French against the British.
    Depending on the time – we were either with or against the British.

    Reply
  20. I live in the Lone Star State….most people know about the Alamo, and all the Texas lore.
    I was born in Indiana – Hoosier state (supposedly because people would say “Who’s there? when they approached a cabin.
    At one point in the country’s history, Indiana was the Northwestern frontier. George Rogers Clark was a military hero in the area. He was the elder brother of William Clark…of Lewis and Clark fame.
    There was a period of time when that area was the scene of many violent battles with Indians. Clark captured several chiefs who had been supporting the French against the British.
    Depending on the time – we were either with or against the British.

    Reply
  21. I live in New Jersey, and my home town, Ringwood, is definitely not in the urbanized part of the state. Because of the rugged and rocky terrain, it’s still mostly wooded. It is home to Ringwood Manor State Park and the state botanical garden, and has a rich history. The iron ore mines there produced shot, cannon, and other materials for the Americans during the Revolutionary War. The Scottish iron master, Robert Erskine, became the Surveyor-General of the Continental Army, and so George Washington visited here a number of times. There were no actual battles in Ringwood, but there was an attempted mutiny nearby which Washington and General Howe successfully put down. Two of the mutineers were executed by firing squad. Not a heroic story, but such is war…
    Anyway, Erskine did heroic work, traveling around the colonies, creating all the maps which helped the Americans win the war. Erskine also came up with the solution to defending the Hudson River against British invasion. He designed a unique tetrahedron-shaped obstruction, known as a Marine Chevaux de Frise, which he proposed to be placed in the Hudson River to stop the British sailing vessels by ripping holes into the hulls of the ships. But he did not live to see the end of the war, he caught pneumonia on an expedition to the Hudson Highlands and died of pneumonia in 1780.

    Reply
  22. I live in New Jersey, and my home town, Ringwood, is definitely not in the urbanized part of the state. Because of the rugged and rocky terrain, it’s still mostly wooded. It is home to Ringwood Manor State Park and the state botanical garden, and has a rich history. The iron ore mines there produced shot, cannon, and other materials for the Americans during the Revolutionary War. The Scottish iron master, Robert Erskine, became the Surveyor-General of the Continental Army, and so George Washington visited here a number of times. There were no actual battles in Ringwood, but there was an attempted mutiny nearby which Washington and General Howe successfully put down. Two of the mutineers were executed by firing squad. Not a heroic story, but such is war…
    Anyway, Erskine did heroic work, traveling around the colonies, creating all the maps which helped the Americans win the war. Erskine also came up with the solution to defending the Hudson River against British invasion. He designed a unique tetrahedron-shaped obstruction, known as a Marine Chevaux de Frise, which he proposed to be placed in the Hudson River to stop the British sailing vessels by ripping holes into the hulls of the ships. But he did not live to see the end of the war, he caught pneumonia on an expedition to the Hudson Highlands and died of pneumonia in 1780.

    Reply
  23. I live in New Jersey, and my home town, Ringwood, is definitely not in the urbanized part of the state. Because of the rugged and rocky terrain, it’s still mostly wooded. It is home to Ringwood Manor State Park and the state botanical garden, and has a rich history. The iron ore mines there produced shot, cannon, and other materials for the Americans during the Revolutionary War. The Scottish iron master, Robert Erskine, became the Surveyor-General of the Continental Army, and so George Washington visited here a number of times. There were no actual battles in Ringwood, but there was an attempted mutiny nearby which Washington and General Howe successfully put down. Two of the mutineers were executed by firing squad. Not a heroic story, but such is war…
    Anyway, Erskine did heroic work, traveling around the colonies, creating all the maps which helped the Americans win the war. Erskine also came up with the solution to defending the Hudson River against British invasion. He designed a unique tetrahedron-shaped obstruction, known as a Marine Chevaux de Frise, which he proposed to be placed in the Hudson River to stop the British sailing vessels by ripping holes into the hulls of the ships. But he did not live to see the end of the war, he caught pneumonia on an expedition to the Hudson Highlands and died of pneumonia in 1780.

    Reply
  24. I live in New Jersey, and my home town, Ringwood, is definitely not in the urbanized part of the state. Because of the rugged and rocky terrain, it’s still mostly wooded. It is home to Ringwood Manor State Park and the state botanical garden, and has a rich history. The iron ore mines there produced shot, cannon, and other materials for the Americans during the Revolutionary War. The Scottish iron master, Robert Erskine, became the Surveyor-General of the Continental Army, and so George Washington visited here a number of times. There were no actual battles in Ringwood, but there was an attempted mutiny nearby which Washington and General Howe successfully put down. Two of the mutineers were executed by firing squad. Not a heroic story, but such is war…
    Anyway, Erskine did heroic work, traveling around the colonies, creating all the maps which helped the Americans win the war. Erskine also came up with the solution to defending the Hudson River against British invasion. He designed a unique tetrahedron-shaped obstruction, known as a Marine Chevaux de Frise, which he proposed to be placed in the Hudson River to stop the British sailing vessels by ripping holes into the hulls of the ships. But he did not live to see the end of the war, he caught pneumonia on an expedition to the Hudson Highlands and died of pneumonia in 1780.

    Reply
  25. I live in New Jersey, and my home town, Ringwood, is definitely not in the urbanized part of the state. Because of the rugged and rocky terrain, it’s still mostly wooded. It is home to Ringwood Manor State Park and the state botanical garden, and has a rich history. The iron ore mines there produced shot, cannon, and other materials for the Americans during the Revolutionary War. The Scottish iron master, Robert Erskine, became the Surveyor-General of the Continental Army, and so George Washington visited here a number of times. There were no actual battles in Ringwood, but there was an attempted mutiny nearby which Washington and General Howe successfully put down. Two of the mutineers were executed by firing squad. Not a heroic story, but such is war…
    Anyway, Erskine did heroic work, traveling around the colonies, creating all the maps which helped the Americans win the war. Erskine also came up with the solution to defending the Hudson River against British invasion. He designed a unique tetrahedron-shaped obstruction, known as a Marine Chevaux de Frise, which he proposed to be placed in the Hudson River to stop the British sailing vessels by ripping holes into the hulls of the ships. But he did not live to see the end of the war, he caught pneumonia on an expedition to the Hudson Highlands and died of pneumonia in 1780.

    Reply
  26. Sue McCormick, I knew that Missouri was called the “Show Me State,” but not the origin of the phrase, much less who said it.
    All states have heroes, but it’s hard to match the heroism of those brave young men–most were in their early 20s or younger–who died for independence.

    Reply
  27. Sue McCormick, I knew that Missouri was called the “Show Me State,” but not the origin of the phrase, much less who said it.
    All states have heroes, but it’s hard to match the heroism of those brave young men–most were in their early 20s or younger–who died for independence.

    Reply
  28. Sue McCormick, I knew that Missouri was called the “Show Me State,” but not the origin of the phrase, much less who said it.
    All states have heroes, but it’s hard to match the heroism of those brave young men–most were in their early 20s or younger–who died for independence.

    Reply
  29. Sue McCormick, I knew that Missouri was called the “Show Me State,” but not the origin of the phrase, much less who said it.
    All states have heroes, but it’s hard to match the heroism of those brave young men–most were in their early 20s or younger–who died for independence.

    Reply
  30. Sue McCormick, I knew that Missouri was called the “Show Me State,” but not the origin of the phrase, much less who said it.
    All states have heroes, but it’s hard to match the heroism of those brave young men–most were in their early 20s or younger–who died for independence.

    Reply
  31. Anne, I actually did know that the battle was mostly on Breed’s Hill, but I’m a history buff, so I’m not sure I get much credit for that! I also knew that “Garden State” was because the area was the vegetable garden of NYC. These days, the chemical plants at the top of the New Jersey Turnpike looks like some strange alien landscape. *G*

    Reply
  32. Anne, I actually did know that the battle was mostly on Breed’s Hill, but I’m a history buff, so I’m not sure I get much credit for that! I also knew that “Garden State” was because the area was the vegetable garden of NYC. These days, the chemical plants at the top of the New Jersey Turnpike looks like some strange alien landscape. *G*

    Reply
  33. Anne, I actually did know that the battle was mostly on Breed’s Hill, but I’m a history buff, so I’m not sure I get much credit for that! I also knew that “Garden State” was because the area was the vegetable garden of NYC. These days, the chemical plants at the top of the New Jersey Turnpike looks like some strange alien landscape. *G*

    Reply
  34. Anne, I actually did know that the battle was mostly on Breed’s Hill, but I’m a history buff, so I’m not sure I get much credit for that! I also knew that “Garden State” was because the area was the vegetable garden of NYC. These days, the chemical plants at the top of the New Jersey Turnpike looks like some strange alien landscape. *G*

    Reply
  35. Anne, I actually did know that the battle was mostly on Breed’s Hill, but I’m a history buff, so I’m not sure I get much credit for that! I also knew that “Garden State” was because the area was the vegetable garden of NYC. These days, the chemical plants at the top of the New Jersey Turnpike looks like some strange alien landscape. *G*

    Reply
  36. Karin, I’ve never heard of Robert Erskine, but Scots have always been known for their engineering skills (even up to the original Star Trek.) He was one of the unknown heroes of history. Sad that he died as a result of his working for the country’s independence.

    Reply
  37. Karin, I’ve never heard of Robert Erskine, but Scots have always been known for their engineering skills (even up to the original Star Trek.) He was one of the unknown heroes of history. Sad that he died as a result of his working for the country’s independence.

    Reply
  38. Karin, I’ve never heard of Robert Erskine, but Scots have always been known for their engineering skills (even up to the original Star Trek.) He was one of the unknown heroes of history. Sad that he died as a result of his working for the country’s independence.

    Reply
  39. Karin, I’ve never heard of Robert Erskine, but Scots have always been known for their engineering skills (even up to the original Star Trek.) He was one of the unknown heroes of history. Sad that he died as a result of his working for the country’s independence.

    Reply
  40. Karin, I’ve never heard of Robert Erskine, but Scots have always been known for their engineering skills (even up to the original Star Trek.) He was one of the unknown heroes of history. Sad that he died as a result of his working for the country’s independence.

    Reply
  41. Oana-Maria, what a fascinating battle! The numbers of casualties were staggering. Was Stephen the Great made a saint? When we cruised the Danube, a lot of churches were dedicated to St. Stephen, and he was named a defender of Christianity.

    Reply
  42. Oana-Maria, what a fascinating battle! The numbers of casualties were staggering. Was Stephen the Great made a saint? When we cruised the Danube, a lot of churches were dedicated to St. Stephen, and he was named a defender of Christianity.

    Reply
  43. Oana-Maria, what a fascinating battle! The numbers of casualties were staggering. Was Stephen the Great made a saint? When we cruised the Danube, a lot of churches were dedicated to St. Stephen, and he was named a defender of Christianity.

    Reply
  44. Oana-Maria, what a fascinating battle! The numbers of casualties were staggering. Was Stephen the Great made a saint? When we cruised the Danube, a lot of churches were dedicated to St. Stephen, and he was named a defender of Christianity.

    Reply
  45. Oana-Maria, what a fascinating battle! The numbers of casualties were staggering. Was Stephen the Great made a saint? When we cruised the Danube, a lot of churches were dedicated to St. Stephen, and he was named a defender of Christianity.

    Reply
  46. Yes, indeed, Mary Jo. He was made a saint for having defended the Christian faith and for having founded lots of churches and monasteries in his lifetime. I am not sure he should have been made a saint, but he clearly was a great ruler of Moldavia, smart, brave, resilient and charismatic.

    Reply
  47. Yes, indeed, Mary Jo. He was made a saint for having defended the Christian faith and for having founded lots of churches and monasteries in his lifetime. I am not sure he should have been made a saint, but he clearly was a great ruler of Moldavia, smart, brave, resilient and charismatic.

    Reply
  48. Yes, indeed, Mary Jo. He was made a saint for having defended the Christian faith and for having founded lots of churches and monasteries in his lifetime. I am not sure he should have been made a saint, but he clearly was a great ruler of Moldavia, smart, brave, resilient and charismatic.

    Reply
  49. Yes, indeed, Mary Jo. He was made a saint for having defended the Christian faith and for having founded lots of churches and monasteries in his lifetime. I am not sure he should have been made a saint, but he clearly was a great ruler of Moldavia, smart, brave, resilient and charismatic.

    Reply
  50. Yes, indeed, Mary Jo. He was made a saint for having defended the Christian faith and for having founded lots of churches and monasteries in his lifetime. I am not sure he should have been made a saint, but he clearly was a great ruler of Moldavia, smart, brave, resilient and charismatic.

    Reply
  51. I live in Massachusetts, whose nickname is the Bay State, from Massachusetts Bay, which is the indentation where Boston is located. There were all kinds of battles in MA, the most famous being the Battles of Concord and Lexington, which started the Revolutionary War.
    I’m from Connecticut, whose nickname is the Constitution State, since CT’s Fundamental Orders lays claim to being the first written constitution in history. Not really many battles in CT, except for raids on the coastal towns, which was fortunate because CT provided provisions and supplies to the Continental Army.

    Reply
  52. I live in Massachusetts, whose nickname is the Bay State, from Massachusetts Bay, which is the indentation where Boston is located. There were all kinds of battles in MA, the most famous being the Battles of Concord and Lexington, which started the Revolutionary War.
    I’m from Connecticut, whose nickname is the Constitution State, since CT’s Fundamental Orders lays claim to being the first written constitution in history. Not really many battles in CT, except for raids on the coastal towns, which was fortunate because CT provided provisions and supplies to the Continental Army.

    Reply
  53. I live in Massachusetts, whose nickname is the Bay State, from Massachusetts Bay, which is the indentation where Boston is located. There were all kinds of battles in MA, the most famous being the Battles of Concord and Lexington, which started the Revolutionary War.
    I’m from Connecticut, whose nickname is the Constitution State, since CT’s Fundamental Orders lays claim to being the first written constitution in history. Not really many battles in CT, except for raids on the coastal towns, which was fortunate because CT provided provisions and supplies to the Continental Army.

    Reply
  54. I live in Massachusetts, whose nickname is the Bay State, from Massachusetts Bay, which is the indentation where Boston is located. There were all kinds of battles in MA, the most famous being the Battles of Concord and Lexington, which started the Revolutionary War.
    I’m from Connecticut, whose nickname is the Constitution State, since CT’s Fundamental Orders lays claim to being the first written constitution in history. Not really many battles in CT, except for raids on the coastal towns, which was fortunate because CT provided provisions and supplies to the Continental Army.

    Reply
  55. I live in Massachusetts, whose nickname is the Bay State, from Massachusetts Bay, which is the indentation where Boston is located. There were all kinds of battles in MA, the most famous being the Battles of Concord and Lexington, which started the Revolutionary War.
    I’m from Connecticut, whose nickname is the Constitution State, since CT’s Fundamental Orders lays claim to being the first written constitution in history. Not really many battles in CT, except for raids on the coastal towns, which was fortunate because CT provided provisions and supplies to the Continental Army.

    Reply
  56. I’m from Georgia and our nickname is The peach State. We used to grow the most peaches in the US but…not any more. But we still are called the Peach state.
    As for a local historical even that is not well known…during the Civil War in June 1864 there were a series of small battles and skirmishes in the area I live in as the troops moved towards Kennesaw Mountain and the big battle there.
    The very local little battle is called the Battle of Gilgal Church. It was June 15th – 17th, 1864 to be precise. I think our house/property is directly on part of that field of combat.
    What I think of the most when I think of that battle is the high, high heat and humidity of June mixed with the rain and the constant slog of men in wool uniforms through the mud. As well as the poor animals slogging along too in the mud. The sheer grinding misery of war.
    Plus of course, the sheer terror of the time for the civilians unfortunately in the path of the various pieces of both armies.

    Reply
  57. I’m from Georgia and our nickname is The peach State. We used to grow the most peaches in the US but…not any more. But we still are called the Peach state.
    As for a local historical even that is not well known…during the Civil War in June 1864 there were a series of small battles and skirmishes in the area I live in as the troops moved towards Kennesaw Mountain and the big battle there.
    The very local little battle is called the Battle of Gilgal Church. It was June 15th – 17th, 1864 to be precise. I think our house/property is directly on part of that field of combat.
    What I think of the most when I think of that battle is the high, high heat and humidity of June mixed with the rain and the constant slog of men in wool uniforms through the mud. As well as the poor animals slogging along too in the mud. The sheer grinding misery of war.
    Plus of course, the sheer terror of the time for the civilians unfortunately in the path of the various pieces of both armies.

    Reply
  58. I’m from Georgia and our nickname is The peach State. We used to grow the most peaches in the US but…not any more. But we still are called the Peach state.
    As for a local historical even that is not well known…during the Civil War in June 1864 there were a series of small battles and skirmishes in the area I live in as the troops moved towards Kennesaw Mountain and the big battle there.
    The very local little battle is called the Battle of Gilgal Church. It was June 15th – 17th, 1864 to be precise. I think our house/property is directly on part of that field of combat.
    What I think of the most when I think of that battle is the high, high heat and humidity of June mixed with the rain and the constant slog of men in wool uniforms through the mud. As well as the poor animals slogging along too in the mud. The sheer grinding misery of war.
    Plus of course, the sheer terror of the time for the civilians unfortunately in the path of the various pieces of both armies.

    Reply
  59. I’m from Georgia and our nickname is The peach State. We used to grow the most peaches in the US but…not any more. But we still are called the Peach state.
    As for a local historical even that is not well known…during the Civil War in June 1864 there were a series of small battles and skirmishes in the area I live in as the troops moved towards Kennesaw Mountain and the big battle there.
    The very local little battle is called the Battle of Gilgal Church. It was June 15th – 17th, 1864 to be precise. I think our house/property is directly on part of that field of combat.
    What I think of the most when I think of that battle is the high, high heat and humidity of June mixed with the rain and the constant slog of men in wool uniforms through the mud. As well as the poor animals slogging along too in the mud. The sheer grinding misery of war.
    Plus of course, the sheer terror of the time for the civilians unfortunately in the path of the various pieces of both armies.

    Reply
  60. I’m from Georgia and our nickname is The peach State. We used to grow the most peaches in the US but…not any more. But we still are called the Peach state.
    As for a local historical even that is not well known…during the Civil War in June 1864 there were a series of small battles and skirmishes in the area I live in as the troops moved towards Kennesaw Mountain and the big battle there.
    The very local little battle is called the Battle of Gilgal Church. It was June 15th – 17th, 1864 to be precise. I think our house/property is directly on part of that field of combat.
    What I think of the most when I think of that battle is the high, high heat and humidity of June mixed with the rain and the constant slog of men in wool uniforms through the mud. As well as the poor animals slogging along too in the mud. The sheer grinding misery of war.
    Plus of course, the sheer terror of the time for the civilians unfortunately in the path of the various pieces of both armies.

    Reply
  61. VickiL, Georgia may no longer grow the most peaches, but if does seem as if every other street in Atlanta has Peachtree somewhere in the name. *G*
    You’re right, I knew about the Kennesaw Mountain battle, but I never heard of the Battle of Gilgal Church. Okay, I just went to Wikipedia and it doesn’t have a separate listing but includes it in a discussion of multiple battles under the umbrella name of Battle of Marietta. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Marietta
    Living on the battlefield would bring it very close. And the wool uniforms in June heat would be AWFUL!

    Reply
  62. VickiL, Georgia may no longer grow the most peaches, but if does seem as if every other street in Atlanta has Peachtree somewhere in the name. *G*
    You’re right, I knew about the Kennesaw Mountain battle, but I never heard of the Battle of Gilgal Church. Okay, I just went to Wikipedia and it doesn’t have a separate listing but includes it in a discussion of multiple battles under the umbrella name of Battle of Marietta. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Marietta
    Living on the battlefield would bring it very close. And the wool uniforms in June heat would be AWFUL!

    Reply
  63. VickiL, Georgia may no longer grow the most peaches, but if does seem as if every other street in Atlanta has Peachtree somewhere in the name. *G*
    You’re right, I knew about the Kennesaw Mountain battle, but I never heard of the Battle of Gilgal Church. Okay, I just went to Wikipedia and it doesn’t have a separate listing but includes it in a discussion of multiple battles under the umbrella name of Battle of Marietta. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Marietta
    Living on the battlefield would bring it very close. And the wool uniforms in June heat would be AWFUL!

    Reply
  64. VickiL, Georgia may no longer grow the most peaches, but if does seem as if every other street in Atlanta has Peachtree somewhere in the name. *G*
    You’re right, I knew about the Kennesaw Mountain battle, but I never heard of the Battle of Gilgal Church. Okay, I just went to Wikipedia and it doesn’t have a separate listing but includes it in a discussion of multiple battles under the umbrella name of Battle of Marietta. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Marietta
    Living on the battlefield would bring it very close. And the wool uniforms in June heat would be AWFUL!

    Reply
  65. VickiL, Georgia may no longer grow the most peaches, but if does seem as if every other street in Atlanta has Peachtree somewhere in the name. *G*
    You’re right, I knew about the Kennesaw Mountain battle, but I never heard of the Battle of Gilgal Church. Okay, I just went to Wikipedia and it doesn’t have a separate listing but includes it in a discussion of multiple battles under the umbrella name of Battle of Marietta. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Marietta
    Living on the battlefield would bring it very close. And the wool uniforms in June heat would be AWFUL!

    Reply
  66. Yes, CT is also the Nutmeg state, supposedly because merchants cheated customers by giving them wooden nutmegs instead of real ones. But that’s a fallacy. If someone had only seen the ground spice, the whole nutmeg was unfamiliar. Nutmegs are hard, too, so the customers thought they were wood and the merchants were cheating them.

    Reply
  67. Yes, CT is also the Nutmeg state, supposedly because merchants cheated customers by giving them wooden nutmegs instead of real ones. But that’s a fallacy. If someone had only seen the ground spice, the whole nutmeg was unfamiliar. Nutmegs are hard, too, so the customers thought they were wood and the merchants were cheating them.

    Reply
  68. Yes, CT is also the Nutmeg state, supposedly because merchants cheated customers by giving them wooden nutmegs instead of real ones. But that’s a fallacy. If someone had only seen the ground spice, the whole nutmeg was unfamiliar. Nutmegs are hard, too, so the customers thought they were wood and the merchants were cheating them.

    Reply
  69. Yes, CT is also the Nutmeg state, supposedly because merchants cheated customers by giving them wooden nutmegs instead of real ones. But that’s a fallacy. If someone had only seen the ground spice, the whole nutmeg was unfamiliar. Nutmegs are hard, too, so the customers thought they were wood and the merchants were cheating them.

    Reply
  70. Yes, CT is also the Nutmeg state, supposedly because merchants cheated customers by giving them wooden nutmegs instead of real ones. But that’s a fallacy. If someone had only seen the ground spice, the whole nutmeg was unfamiliar. Nutmegs are hard, too, so the customers thought they were wood and the merchants were cheating them.

    Reply
  71. Well, I’m in Oklahoma which is the Sooner state. “Sooners” were the fellows who jumped the starting line (or more literally snuck in and hid until it started and then staked claims immediately) of the 1889 Land Run. SO technically our nickname is derived from a bunch of cheaters…LOL Why the University of Oklahoma chose that as their mascot, I’ll never know.

    Reply
  72. Well, I’m in Oklahoma which is the Sooner state. “Sooners” were the fellows who jumped the starting line (or more literally snuck in and hid until it started and then staked claims immediately) of the 1889 Land Run. SO technically our nickname is derived from a bunch of cheaters…LOL Why the University of Oklahoma chose that as their mascot, I’ll never know.

    Reply
  73. Well, I’m in Oklahoma which is the Sooner state. “Sooners” were the fellows who jumped the starting line (or more literally snuck in and hid until it started and then staked claims immediately) of the 1889 Land Run. SO technically our nickname is derived from a bunch of cheaters…LOL Why the University of Oklahoma chose that as their mascot, I’ll never know.

    Reply
  74. Well, I’m in Oklahoma which is the Sooner state. “Sooners” were the fellows who jumped the starting line (or more literally snuck in and hid until it started and then staked claims immediately) of the 1889 Land Run. SO technically our nickname is derived from a bunch of cheaters…LOL Why the University of Oklahoma chose that as their mascot, I’ll never know.

    Reply
  75. Well, I’m in Oklahoma which is the Sooner state. “Sooners” were the fellows who jumped the starting line (or more literally snuck in and hid until it started and then staked claims immediately) of the 1889 Land Run. SO technically our nickname is derived from a bunch of cheaters…LOL Why the University of Oklahoma chose that as their mascot, I’ll never know.

    Reply
  76. Stephanie–say rather that the nickname comes from bold pioneers who were willing to take risks. *G* I read about the land rush in a YA story many, many years ago, and it’s stuck in my mind as being so usual.

    Reply
  77. Stephanie–say rather that the nickname comes from bold pioneers who were willing to take risks. *G* I read about the land rush in a YA story many, many years ago, and it’s stuck in my mind as being so usual.

    Reply
  78. Stephanie–say rather that the nickname comes from bold pioneers who were willing to take risks. *G* I read about the land rush in a YA story many, many years ago, and it’s stuck in my mind as being so usual.

    Reply
  79. Stephanie–say rather that the nickname comes from bold pioneers who were willing to take risks. *G* I read about the land rush in a YA story many, many years ago, and it’s stuck in my mind as being so usual.

    Reply
  80. Stephanie–say rather that the nickname comes from bold pioneers who were willing to take risks. *G* I read about the land rush in a YA story many, many years ago, and it’s stuck in my mind as being so usual.

    Reply
  81. Just read article on Fold3, the military side of ancestry.com, about this battle. Lots of very interesting comments about relatives who were there.

    Reply
  82. Just read article on Fold3, the military side of ancestry.com, about this battle. Lots of very interesting comments about relatives who were there.

    Reply
  83. Just read article on Fold3, the military side of ancestry.com, about this battle. Lots of very interesting comments about relatives who were there.

    Reply
  84. Just read article on Fold3, the military side of ancestry.com, about this battle. Lots of very interesting comments about relatives who were there.

    Reply
  85. Just read article on Fold3, the military side of ancestry.com, about this battle. Lots of very interesting comments about relatives who were there.

    Reply
  86. Very interesting, Jeanie–I had no idea that ancestry.com even had a military side. I doubt I have any ancestors there since mine were New Englanders, but as someone who has lived in Maryland for many years, I’m in awe of those young men who fought and died so bravely, and changed the course of the revolution.

    Reply
  87. Very interesting, Jeanie–I had no idea that ancestry.com even had a military side. I doubt I have any ancestors there since mine were New Englanders, but as someone who has lived in Maryland for many years, I’m in awe of those young men who fought and died so bravely, and changed the course of the revolution.

    Reply
  88. Very interesting, Jeanie–I had no idea that ancestry.com even had a military side. I doubt I have any ancestors there since mine were New Englanders, but as someone who has lived in Maryland for many years, I’m in awe of those young men who fought and died so bravely, and changed the course of the revolution.

    Reply
  89. Very interesting, Jeanie–I had no idea that ancestry.com even had a military side. I doubt I have any ancestors there since mine were New Englanders, but as someone who has lived in Maryland for many years, I’m in awe of those young men who fought and died so bravely, and changed the course of the revolution.

    Reply
  90. Very interesting, Jeanie–I had no idea that ancestry.com even had a military side. I doubt I have any ancestors there since mine were New Englanders, but as someone who has lived in Maryland for many years, I’m in awe of those young men who fought and died so bravely, and changed the course of the revolution.

    Reply

Leave a Comment