…the Maryland 400 made a desperate last stand that held back the British and helped save the American army.

The Battle of Brooklyn, fought on August 27, 1776, was the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, and a terrible defeat for the Americans.The British overwhelmed the Continental Army commanded by George Washington. As the British chased the retreating Americans, a contingent of soldiers now known as the “Maryland 400” repeatedly charged the British, buying time for many other Americans to escape off the battlefield.

Maryland’s soldiers were untested recruits–only a handful had ever served in the army before– but they quickly proved themselves to be brave and reliable. In all, the Marylanders lost 256 men killed or captured that day. Although the battle was a hard loss for the Americans, they regrouped and fought on, and the Marylanders were there every step of the way until the war’s final days in 1783.

Last weekend was the official launch of Finding the Maryland 400, the new book that tells the story of these soldiers, and explores their fates before, during, and after their service in the army. You can buy the book online here.

Read more about the Maryland 400 and the Battle of Brooklyn here.