Some phrases are bigger than the words themselves.
In Annapolis, "Don't Give Up the Ship" is one of them.
You'll see it on flags, in Naval Academy history, around town, and now, woven into a Silopanna collection that honors the grit, tradition, and maritime spirit of this place we call home.
But before it became a rallying cry, it began as the final words of a young naval captain.
The History Behind "Don't Give Up the Ship"
The phrase is tied to Captain James Lawrence, a U.S. Navy officer during the War of 1812. In June 1813, Lawrence was mortally wounded while commanding the USS Chesapeake in battle against the British ship HMS Shannon. As he was carried below deck, he reportedly gave the order: "Don't give up the ship."
Those words lived on.
Lawrence's friend, Oliver Hazard Perry, carried the phrase forward just a few months later during the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. Perry had the words placed on a battle flag, using Lawrence's final command as a symbol of courage and resolve. Perry went on to win a major American naval victory and famously reported, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." The "Don't Give Up the Ship" flag became one of the most enduring symbols of American naval history.
Today, the original flag is preserved at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis. It is one of the Academy's most treasured artifacts, carefully conserved and displayed in Preble Hall. A reproduction can also be seen in Memorial Hall, a space passed daily by midshipmen inside Bancroft Hall.
How to See the "Don't Give Up the Ship" Flag at the Naval Academy
One of the best parts about living near Annapolis, or visiting it, is that history is not tucked away. It is right here, woven into the brick sidewalks, harbor views, and gates of the Yard.
To see the original "Don't Give Up the Ship" flag, plan a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, located in Preble Hall on the Naval Academy grounds.
The Naval Academy Museum's current posted hours are generally Monday, Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is listed as closed on Tuesdays, so check before you go, especially around holidays or special events.
Visitors to the Naval Academy should also review current access requirements before arriving. As of May 11, 2026, general public visitation has resumed, though visitors should expect enhanced security measures and possible temporary access controls during busy events.
A good starting point is the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, where you can get oriented, ask questions, and join an official Naval Academy tour. And, you can often get a glance into the midshipmen practices on the indoor turf fields. Be sure to walk along the sea wall to get a great glimpse of the Annapolis harbor. And from there, you can explore the Yard, visit the museum, and take in the spaces where Annapolis history and naval tradition meet.
Why It Still Matters
"Don't Give Up the Ship" has lasted for more than two centuries because it still feels relevant.
It is not just about battle. It is about resolve.
It is about staying steady when the current shifts. Holding fast when things get hard. Moving forward, even when the tide pulls back.
That spirit feels deeply Annapolis. Around here, the water teaches you a few things. Conditions change. Winds turn. The tide comes in and goes out. But you keep going.
The Silopanna "Don't Give Up the Ship" Collection
Our Don't Give Up the Ship Collection is a nod to that same spirit.
Designed for Annapolis days, harbor walks, Navy games, boat rides, and all the little moments that make this town feel like home, the collection brings a classic naval phrase into everyday coastal style.
The collection includes:
It is timeless, a little spirited, and rooted in the place that inspired Silopanna from the beginning.
Because Silopanna has always been a love letter to Annapolis. To the water. To the people. To the traditions we pass down, wear proudly, and make our own.
So whether you are visiting the Naval Academy Museum to see the original flag, walking downtown after a day on the Yard, or just carrying a little Annapolis with you wherever you go, this collection is for the ones who know:
The tide may turn.
The wind may shift.
But you don't give up the ship.