Maryland in 1776: The Old Line State and the Birth of America

In this episode of Maryland, Our Maryland, Louis Miserendino and Dr. Anirban Basu discuss the historical significance of Maryland during the year 1776. The conversation explores the state’s role during the American Revolutionary War, specifically focusing on the Maryland 400’s heroic actions at the Battle of Brooklyn which provided crucial time for George Washington’s retreat. They examine the lives of the four Marylanders who signed the Declaration of Independence—Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Samuel Chase, William Paca, and Thomas Stone—noting their status as part of the social elite and enslavers. Additionally, the hosts detail how Baltimore served as the capital of the United States for approximately 10 weeks in late 1776 when the Second Continental Congress relocated there for safety. The discussion touches upon the rural nature of the 13 colonies, the economic pressures of the time, and the contradictions between revolutionary ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery and limited voting rights in 1776 Maryland.