*Originally published on November 23, 2020:

Wondering what an "Old Line" is? Us, too. Maryland seems to be a state where everything has a nickname—from the cities to the sports teams. Did you know that the state itself has several nicknames as well? Keep reading to find out what they are, and where they came from. 

The Old Line State

Some historians theorize that this name was given to the state by General George Washington because of the instrumental role Maryland's regiments played in the Revolutionary War.  The regiments were also known as "the Maryland Line," and they were known for their courage, which saved the Continental Army in several battles.

Free State

This name refers to the Maryland Constitution, which took effect on November 1, 1864, and abolished slavery in the state, thereby making Maryland an officially "Free State."  Much later, the same nickname was used in a different context by the editor of the Baltimore Sun, Hamilton Owens, about Prohibition. In the 1920s, Maryland refused to pass a state enforcement act to enforce Prohibition. Georgia Congressman William D. Upshaw mockingly called Maryland a "free state" and suggested that they secede from the Union if they were so determined to sell liquor. Mr. Owens continued to popularize the name in later editorials, layering his irony over the already ironic nickname.

Little America or America in Miniature

Maryland has been called "America in Miniature" because of the geographical diversity packed into such a small state. One can find nearly any type of geographical feature because of the presence of bodies of water nearly everywhere. Likewise, the state is quite diverse and boasts many prominent historical figures. The nickname "America In Miniature" also refers to the state's significance in the nation's history.