| THE NICKNAMES:
The Old Line State: This nickname is, according to some, a reference to the Maryland soldiers who fought
courageously in the Revolutionary War, the Maryland Line. It is said that General George Washington referred
to these soldiers as "The Old Line." Maryland was the only state that had regular troops "of the line" and
these soldiers were ranked among the finest and best disciplined in the army.
Another origin is given that goes back further in history. It is said that Maryland is referred to as "The Old
Line State" because it was the dividing line between the land grants given to William Penn and Lord Baltimore.
The Free State: This nickname originated in an article written by Hamilton Owens, the editor or the Baltimore
Sun. In 1923, a Georgia Congressman, William D. Upshaw, attacked Maryland as a traitor to the union because it
never passed a State enforcement act supporting Prohibition. Hamilton Owens' article, "The Maryland Free State"
was a mocking response to Mr. Upshaw, suggesting that Maryland should secede from the Union before acting to
prohibit the sale of liquor. This article was never published but Mr. Owens referred to Maryland as "The Free State"
in later editorials.
The Cockade State: This nickname, coined during the Revolutionary War, again refers to the Maryland soldiers.
According to King's Handbook of the United States, 1891, the Maryland Old Line was made up of young men
who "...wore brilliant cockades". Cockades are badge-like ornaments usually worn on hats. These decorations
gave birth to Maryland's nickname, "The Cockade State."
The Monumental State: In the early 17th century, Baltimore was given the nickname of "The Monumental City"
and this nickname was transferred to the state over time.
"The Monumental City" was bestowed upon Baltimore by President John Quincy Adams, probably in reference to the
monuments he saw on his visit to the city in 1827. The "Battle Monument" honoring Baltimore's defensive victory
in the War of 1812 was standing on the site of the old court house. Construction was under way on the first
major memorial to George Washington. President Adams was also taken to North Point to view the Aquila Randall
Monument erected to honor a member of the First Mechanical Volunteers of the Fifth Regiment who was killed on
September 12, 1814.
At a dinner engagement, Adams thanked the citizens of Baltimore for the kind reception he had been given during his
visit and proposed a toast" "Baltimore, the Monumental City--may the days of her safety be as prosperous and happy
as the days of her danger have been trying and triumphant!"
The Oyster State: This nickname refers to the large oyster fisheries in the state.
The Queen State: Probably because Maryland was named after Queen Henrietta Maria, Maryland has been referred
to as "The Queen State."
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994
Shankle, George Earlie, Phd State Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers and
Other Symbols H. H. Wilson Company, New York - 1938 (Reprint)
George, Christopher, John Quincy Admas and "The Monumental City," (http://www.baltimoremd.com/monuments/adams.html), October 21, 2002 |
