The March of Maryland’s Macaroni

Illustration of the 'Spirit of 76, Hip Hip Hooray for USA'

Library of Congress

Yankee Doodle went to town
A-riding on a pony,
Stuck a feather in his cap
And called it macaroni.


Many today recognize the word “macaroni” as part of the lyrics in Yankee Doodle, but its meaning in the song is largely unknown. Macaroni refers to a fashion movement in Europe in the 1760s. Dandified young men paraded around the streets of cities such as London in huge wigs, tight jackets, clothing with feathers and other frilly items on them, and fancy shoes. They were also fond of the dish called “macaroni” although it was not the macaroni and cheese most people think of today.

Early in the Revolutionary War, the British taunted the Americans by singing Yankee Doodle. The British suggested that the Americans were fools (doodles) to think that the addition of feathers to the attire of unsophisticated Americans made them special. This was essentially the concept of you can put lipstick on a pig, but you still fundamentally have a pig.

Following the Battle of Bunker Hill with its high number of British casualties, the Americans adopted the song Yankee Doodle, and with a large dose of irony they used it to mock the British.

In July of 1776, Colonel William Smallwood and Captain John Hoskins Stone led the First Maryland Regiment north from Maryland to join General George Washington and the Continental Army in New York City where Washington was anxiously awaiting the arrival of a large British army.

In the ranks of the First Maryland Regiment was a fifer, Private Dennis Broderick. Fifers like Broderick, as well as drummers were crucial during the American Revolution. The noise and confusion of battle often meant shouted commands went unheard. The music of drummers and fifers was a means of issuing commands. In this case, the music of Broderick’s shrill fife inspired the First Maryland Regiment to march in formation. Because the song had grown popular over the past several months with the American patriots, it is possible that Broderick even played the song of Yankee Doodle.

When the First Maryland Regiment arrived in Philadelphia, Major John Adlum of the Pennsylvania Line witnessed their arrival. Adlum explained that “The (First Maryland) regiment was said to be eleven hundred strong; and never did a finer, more dignified and braver body of men face an enemy. They were composed of the flower of Maryland, being young gentlemen, the sons of opulent planters, farmers, and mechanics.”

Another Philadelphian reported with praise that “Smallwood’s battalion was one of the finest in the army, in dress, equipment, and discipline. Their scarlet and buff uniforms and well-burnished arms…” included very fashionable “...macaroni cocked hats.”

By the end of July of 1776, the First Maryland Regiment entered New York City, which had a significantly higher number of British Loyalists than Philadelphia. The Loyalists openly insulted the Marylanders and called them “macaroni” in an abusive manner.

Over the next few months, the "macaroni," known as the First Maryland Regiment, fought the British in the vicinity of New York City. Time and time again the Marylanders proved that they were the fighting equals to the British with their dandified “lobsterback” uniforms. They would gain immortal repute with their sacrifice at the Battle of Brooklyn in August, 1776.