Discover Why Maryland Is Called the Old Line State

Ever wondered where Maryland got its nickname as the Old Line State? It’s kind of an odd one, with so many other states named for their state animals, like Oregon, the Beaver State. Or others names for distinctive, clear historical moments. The state of Maryland has this unique nickname for an excellent reason, from one of the of the most distinctive figures in American history. So, let’s take a quick look at how Maryland got its nickname of the Old Line State.

How and When did Maryland Become Known as the Old Line State?

According to records, stories, and legends, the nickname of the Old Line State birthed due to the American Revolution. General George Washington is believed to have given the name this state because of its regular troop lines, known as the Maryland Line, the state made significant efforts towards freedom for the country during the war. In other words, Maryland is known as the Old Line State because of its immense contributions to the Revolutionary War via the Maryland Line (military troops).

Other Nicknames of Maryland

Free State

In November 1, 1864, Maryland found recognition as a “Free state” meaning its Constitution took effect and slavery was abolished within the state’s borders. Celebrating this emancipation, 500 guns were fired off as an attestation of joy for freedom. Later, “Free State” was used as a nickname for Maryland by Hamilton Owens.

“America in Miniature”

10,460 squares miles packed within the small state boundaries represents a wide range of terrain and culturally significant aspects of America. There’s no desert here, but there are mountains, ocean coastal, rivers, streams, forests, farmland, and just about everything else you could see elsewhere in the country.

The nickname was also given because of the important role Maryland has played in American history. The founding of the United States began here, with a diverse swath of ethnic and cultural groups present today. Many famous Americans from early days (and today) from Maryland, as well. Inventors and industry starters also began in Maryland, from the first umbrella factory to the first dental school and inventors of gas lighting and refrigerators.

State Symbols of Maryland

Each state chooses various symbols to represent themselves. The beautiful and historically significant state has a plethora of natural and human-made objects they’ve chosen to represent the state.

The Maryland Flag

The flag of Maryland bears a coat of arms which comes from the Calvert and Crossland families. The Lords Baltimore came from the Calvert and Crossland families, which influenced the imagery distinctly. The colors include gold and black in the first and fourth quarters of the flag. The red and white cross bottony represent the Crosslands family, in the second and third quarters of the flag.

Official State Animals of Maryland

State Bird — Baltimore Oriole

The beautiful Baltimore Oriole is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the state apart from the flag. Females of the species have brown-olive to dull orange feathers. Males, on the other hand, have deep black and golden orange coloring. The coloring of the males is somewhat similar to that in the Calvert shield, which led to the association of the bird to the state.

State Crustacean — Blue Crab

In 1989, Maryland named the blue crab as its official crustacean. The crab’s meat has often been compared to that of lobster meat for its sweetness. Blue crabs are prominent within Maryland’s waters and a fairly good sized industry for the state, as the most valuable commercial fishery. They produce about 50 percent of the total landings in Chesapeake Bay.

State Cat — Calico Cat

Cat lovers must love Maryland — one of the few states to name an official cat. In 2001, the Calico cat became the state feline. These are not a breed of cat, but rather a coloring, which only occurs in females. They may belong to Domestic short hair, Persian, or Manx, as well as other breeds.

State Dog — Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were named the state dog back in 1964. These dogs are often working dogs for hunters of waterfowl in the Chesapeake Bay. This helps to make them exceptionally important to the area. This is also one of the few breeds developed in the United States.

State Reptile — Diamondback Terrapin

Officially named the state reptile in 2007, the beautiful and intriguing Diamondback Terrapin (turtle) thrives in unpolluted saltwater. This helps them help the state in identifying healthy marshes and rivers.

State Horse — Thoroughbred Horse

Maryland opted to name the Thoroughbred Horse its state horse in 2003. The large horses (average, they stand at 16 hands and weigh about 1,000 pounds) come in a beautiful array of colors from bay, dark bay, black, gray, or chestnut, and the occasional roan.

State Fish — Rockfish

Officially named the state fish in 1965, the Rockfish is known for its size and fighting spirit. Some folks call it the stripes bass. The fish was named the symbol of the state for its fight and its flavor.

Official State Plants of Maryland

State Tree — White Oak

In 1941, Maryland designated the White Oak as its official state tree. A famous tree of this species helped to inspire the decision, likely, the Wye Oak at Wye Milles, Maryland. The trees are long living and sturdy, producing some 10,000 acorns annually in many cases.

State Flower — Black-Eyed Susan

Become so in 1918, the black-eyed Susan represents Maryland as the state flower. The perennial daisies belong to the sunflower family and thrive throughout the United States.

Other State Symbols

State Insect — The Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly

The official insect of Maryland happens to be a local butterfly known as the Baltimore Checkerspot. This species of butterfly pollinates the wild flora and the crops in the region. They bear dark colored thoraxes (bodies), with the color extending to their wings. White spots dot the wings, with orange edging them.

State Drink — Milk

Maryland opted to name milk its official drink in 1998. One third of the state’s milk production occurs in Frederick and in Washington County, mostly from Holstein breed cows.

State Gem — Patuxent River Stone

In 2004, Maryland named the Patuxent River Stone the official gem of Maryland. The stone is technically agate, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. The stone of red and yellow may only be found in Maryland.

State Dessert — Smith Island Cake

On October 1, 2008, Maryland officially named the Smith Island Cake its dessert. The cake traditionally consists of eight to ten layers of yellow cake with chocolate frosting between each and as the topping. The cake comes from Smith Island, the last inhabited island of the state, which is only reachable by boat.

State Boat — Skipjack

Most states don’t opt for such symbols as boats, but Maryland has a favorite! The skipjack earned its place as the official boat of Maryland in 1985. These are the last working boats under sail in the United States. They once dredged the Chesapeake Bay for Oysters, a huge part of the economy in Maryland. The name comes from the fish type that leaps out of the water to play at the surface. The skipjack boat originated in Maryland in the 1890s.