Quartered flag alternating black-gold and red-white designs.
Ratio: 2:3
Perhaps the most dazzling of all: quartered fields of black-and-gold chevrons (the Calvert arms) and red-and-white crosses (the Crossland arms). It is medieval heraldry turned state flag, bold and unmistakable. Maryland’s banner is sheer spectacle.
Flag Symbolism & Meaning
Calvert black and gold
Represents colonial founder George Calvert.
Crossland red and white
Represents his maternal family.
Historical Timeline
1788
Maryland ratified the Constitution.
1904
Flag officially adopted.
Fascinating Facts
1
Maryland’s flag is the only U.S. state flag based on English heraldry.
2
Highly distinctive and popular for branding.
For Students & Teachers
Key Learning Points (4-12)
Explain heraldry and family symbols.
Compare Maryland’s unique design with other U.S. state flags.
State Information
- Population
- 6,177,224
- Area
- 12,407
- Founded
- 1788-04-28
- Region
- Northeast