“Good God What brave fellows I must this day lose” These words etched in stone greet you at the Maryland 400 Monument. This isn’t just a monument. It’s a testament to courage. It stands in Prospect Park Brooklyn a silent guardian of a pivotal moment in American history.
The Maryland 400 Monument commemorates the heroic sacrifice of approximately 260 to 270 Maryland soldiers. They fought valiantly at the Battle of Long Island on August 27 1776. These brave men held the line against a vastly superior British force. Their selfless actions allowed General George Washington to safely evacuate the majority of his troops. The monument itself is a striking structure. A 27-foot-tall Maryland granite monolith. It features bronze tablets on all four sides. A twelve-foot polished granite Corinthian pillar tops it. A marble orb rests on the pillar. A semicircular stone wall supports it.
The Maryland 400’s battle was brutal. They faced over 2000 British troops. Supported by two cannons these soldiers were outnumbered. Yet they stood firm. They launched repeated charges. They fought until practically wiped out. Over 250 soldiers perished. Washington witnessed their heroism. His despair is immortalized on the monument. His words a poignant tribute to their sacrifice.
The Maryland 400 Monument wasn’t always so well-preserved. Vandalism neglect and the passage of time took their toll. Fortunately dedicated individuals and organizations stepped in. They raised funds for restoration. They repaired and cleaned the monument. Today thanks to their efforts the Maryland 400 Monument stands proudly. It serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice of these Revolutionary War heroes. Their bravery helped secure American independence. The monument’s inscription “In honor of Maryland’s Four Hundred who on this Battle-Field August 27th 1776 saved the American Army” is not mere words. It is a vow to remember. It’s an enduring legacy of those who fought so valiantly for freedom. Let us remember their sacrifice. Let their story inspire us.