Maryland: Sails in the Water, Wings in the Sky

The Spark

In August 1776, during the Battle of Brooklyn, the Continental Army faced total annihilation. Surrounded by British forces, George Washington’s retreat was secured by a single regiment of 400 young men from Maryland. Known as the “Maryland 400,” these soldiers launched repeated, desperate bayonet charges against a force overwhelming in numbers. They did not fight to win the battle; they fought to buy Washington time to escape across the river. Of the 400, only a handful survived, but their sacrifice saved the Continental Army and the American cause. From that day forward, Maryland was known as the “Old Line State”—a title earned in blood, sacrifice, and absolute duty.

The Modern Legacy

In the summer of 2026, Maryland honors this legacy of courage with a spectacular, multi-dimensional celebration: SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore. The historic waters of Baltimore Harbor will fill with a majestic fleet of international tall ships, while the skies overhead roar with the precision flying of modern military aircraft. This incredible convergence of historic sails and modern wings is paired with Annapolis 250 and Prince George’s 250 county-level commemorations, creating a statewide tapestry of remembrance that honors both our maritime roots and our ongoing commitment to national defense.

The Artifact

To honor the “Old Line” that stood when the nation needed them most, truAmerican® has created the Old Line Heritage Polo. Crafted from a premium, double-knit piqué cotton blend, this polo features a subtle, embroidered shield on the sleeve—a quiet nod to the Maryland 400. It is a piece designed for those who carry the quiet conviction that some lines must never be broken.