Nearly 250 years ago, a small contingent of soldiers from Maryland played a critical role in preserving the Continental Army during a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. On Aug. 27, 1776, during the Battle of Brooklyn in New York, about 500 men from the Maryland Battalion stood firm against a British force more than twice their size, enabling General George Washington's troops to retreat to safety and regroup.

The battle, also known as the Battle of Long Island, saw over 23,000 British and Hessian soldiers, commanded by General William Howe, launch a surprise flanking attack against fewer than 11,000 American troops. As many Continental soldiers fled, the Marylanders, supported by units from Pennsylvania and Delaware, held their positions around a key structure known as the Old Stone House. Under the leadership of Major Mordecai Gist, a Baltimore native, they repeatedly charged against the advancing enemy with bayonets fixed, buying precious time for roughly 8,000 American soldiers to escape.

The Maryland 400, as they became known, suffered significant casualties. Approximately 256 men were killed or taken prisoner—a loss that represented around a quarter of the Maryland Battalion engaged in the action. Washington himself reportedly expressed sorrow over their sacrifice, acknowledging the bravery of those who held the line.

For centuries, the deeds of these soldiers were largely overshadowed in historical narratives. However, historian and archivist Owen Lourie has brought renewed attention to their story in his forthcoming book, “Finding the Maryland 400,” which offers a comprehensive exploration of the men involved. Spanning about 500 pages, the work compiles 868 detailed biographical sketches, illuminating the backgrounds of those who risked everything at Brooklyn and later contributed to the success of the Maryland Line, one of the most respected units in the Continental Army.

Lourie’s research draws from a range of archival material, including pension applications, muster rolls, tax records, and personal letters. One eyewitness account by Corporal William McMillan, preserved in an 1830s letter, recounts the intense fighting at the Old Stone House and the severe losses suffered by their company. Despite capture and imprisonment on a ship bound for Nova Scotia, McMillan escaped, rejoined the Continental forces, and continued to serve through the war’s conclusion.

The Maryland troops’ effectiveness has been attributed to their rigorous training and close bonds, stemming from their origins as the Baltimore Independent Cadets—a militia company formed in 1774 by committed patriots who drilled extensively prior to the war. This preparation and camaraderie fostered a reputation for discipline and valor that set them apart from many other colonial units, historians say.

The Maryland 400’s stand at Brooklyn not only allowed Washington’s army to live on but also helped sustain the Revolutionary cause during its most vulnerable phase. Their example of sacrifice and resilience has been compared to legendary last stands, reflecting a deep sense of honor and commitment among the troops.

Lourie’s book is scheduled for release on the 250th anniversary of the battle, Aug. 27, and serves as both a tribute to the Maryland soldiers and a reminder of their place in the founding of the United States. Historians note that in an era marked by increasing division, revisiting such episodes of shared sacrifice can provide important perspective on the nation’s origins and enduring ideals.