Maryland State Flag

Date adopted: Mar 9, 1904

The flag of Maryland, officially adopted in 1904, is a heraldic banner that combines the 17th-century arms of Cecil, 2nd Baron Baltimore, with those of his grandmother from the Crossland family. The design pays homage to the state's colonial history, tracing back to Lord Baltimore's founding of the Maryland colony. Originally, only the gold and black Calvert arms were associated with Maryland, but the red and white cross bottony counterchanged gained popularity during the American Civil War, representing unity in a state divided by loyalties. After the war, the present flag, incorporating both coats of arms used by George Calvert, emerged as a symbol of reconciliation and reunification. It features a quartered field with the arms of The 1st Baron Baltimore and the Crossland family, reflecting Maryland's heritage and history.