The Battle of Long Island, fought in late August of 1776, was a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War. As British forces advanced on New York City, General George Washington and his army found themselves outnumbered and in a precarious position. Faced with the overwhelming might of the British, Washington needed a strategy to facilitate a retreat for his troops. This is where the 1st Maryland Regiment played a pivotal role.

The Marylanders, under the command of Colonel William Smallwood, executed several determined bayonet charges against British troops, who vastly outnumbered them. Their actions were remarkably courageous, creating confusion among the British ranks and buying precious time for Washington's forces to regroup and find an escape route. While many Maryland soldiers suffered heavy casualties, their valor on the battlefield would become a cornerstone of American military folklore.

The stand they took not only demonstrated the fortitude and commitment of the American forces but also solidified the reputation of the 1st Maryland Regiment as one of the elite units in the Continental Army. Their bravery encapsulated the essence of the fight for independence, making a lasting impact on the morale of the revolutionary cause.