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In 1861 when President Lincoln called for 75,000 men to militarily suppress the Southern rebellion, Maryland began preparations to join Virginia in succeeding from the Union in order to help defend her Southern sisters. But when the Federal Army invaded and began throwing Confederate sympathizers in prison, scores of Maryland men crossed over the Potomac and joined up with various Virginia regiments in order to take up the fight. |
The Maryland Line circa 2004
| In an effort to consolidate these Maryland troops, General George H. Steuart and Col. Bradley T. Johnson began campaigns to create a unique fighting unit called the Maryland Line in honor of the Maryland brigade that fought during the Revolutionary War . Their petitions to the War Dept. resulted in General Order No. 8 which stated in part: |
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"... The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That all native or adopted citizens of the State of Maryland who have heretofore volunteered, are now in, or many hereafter volunteer in the service of the Confederate States, may, at their option, be organized and enrolled into companies, squadrons, battalions, and regiments, and with the First Maryland Regiment, and several companies now in service, into one or more brigades, to be known as the Maryland Line; said organization to be in accordance with existing laws..." |
| By 1863, the Maryland Line was officially recognized and consisted of the 1st MD Battalion of Infantry , 1st MD Cavalry and the 1st, 2nd & 4th MD Artillery. |
| Our Maryland Line is a Civil War reenacting unit made up of members from the Pacific Northwest, though we also have members from as far away as Alaska and Pennsylvania. We are a family oriented unit, welcoming the participation of anyone interested in an accurate depiction of 1863 military life (Infantry, Artillery and Cavalry) during the great War of the Rebellion. Civilian impressions are also welcome. |
| Although we portray soldiers of the Confederate south , our members are not 'pro-slavery' nor do we subscribe to the beliefs or doctrines of any white supremacy organizations. Our portrayal is based on Southern state's rights and secession from the Union in the early 1860's. |
| Our umbrella organization is the Northwest Civil War Council (NCWC) which organizes and coordinates most major Civil War events in Oregon. See our event schedule for information on upcoming Civil War living history events we will be involved in this year. |
| If you have specific questions, or wish to receive information on becoming a member, please feel free to contact us. |
| For information on Confederate and Union Maryland Units, see John Lamb's Maryland Unit Research Page. |
