|
All Rights Reserved © Old Line Publishing, LLC 2006-2008 (last update 09/30/2008) |
|
OLD LINE PUBLISHING, LLC |
|
Publishers of Fine Books and Periodicals |
|
Welcome |
|
Why Are We Old Line Publishing?
“Old Line” is the state nickname for Maryland and we use this name because we are proud of our state, it’s history, and it’s resources. There are a number of theories about how Maryland got this nickname, but the one we choose to believe goes something like this; In August of 1776, not too long after the Declaration of Independence was signed by our early patriot forefathers, unseasoned American troops were stationed in Manhattan, Long Island and Brooklyn, New York. Some 5,800 American troops were set to defend New York against an estimated 15,000 British troops. Gen. Washington knew more troops were needed and an additional 1,600 reinforcements from Maryland and Delaware were sent to the area. In the early morning hours of August 27th, approximately 7,000 British troops attacked the Maryland and Delaware defenses. By late that same morning, British troops had killed, injured, or captured all of the nearly 6,000 troops that were in place; except for the two regiments from Maryland and Delaware. These troops, who fought offensively as well as defensively, fought bravely for a country that was more precious than their own lives. Gen. Washington realizing and understanding the bravery and courage that these men possessed used these troops time and time again throughout the war. The “line” refers to the way in which the soldiers positioned themselves for battle. The “old” refers to the timeframe in which the regiment had been organized. In order to contend with Great Britain, many new regiments had to be created for the war. However, many of Maryland’s regiments had been organized years earlier, by the fathers and grandfathers of the young men fighting for independence. So they referred to themselves as “old regiments.” Over the course of the war the words were blended together and these troops became the “old line” and the rest as they say, is history. Well, actually, it’s all history. And it’s a history in which we take great pride. We also take great pride in the material we publish and we hope you’ll take some time view our website and contact us for any additional information. |
