Flag of Maryland (US state)

The flag of the state of Maryland stands out as one of the most distinctive and visually striking banners in the United States. Unlike most state flags that feature a seal on a single-colored field, Maryland's flag is a direct and powerful display of historical heraldry. Its design is a vibrant and complex tapestry of colors and patterns, a living connection to the state's founding families, its tumultuous past, and its ultimate spirit of unity and reconciliation. This unique flag is not just a symbol of the state, but a historical document in its own right.

Flag Design, Symbolism, and Dimensions

The Maryland state flag is based on the official coat of arms of the Calvert and Crossland families, which is divided into four quarters.

• First and Fourth Quarters (Calvert): These sections feature the armorial bearings of the Calvert family, the Lords Baltimore and founders of Maryland. The design consists of a series of gold and black vertical bands, with a diagonal stripe running from the top left to the bottom right. These colors and patterns represent the Calvert lineage and their role in the colony's establishment.

• Second and Third Quarters (Crossland): These quarters display the armorial bearings of the Crossland family, the family of George Calvert's mother. The design is a quartered pattern of red and white, with a Greek cross running through it. The colors are counterchanged, meaning they are reversed in each section of the quarter.

• Colors and Arrangement: The flag's design is symmetrical, with the Calvert arms in the first and fourth quarters and the Crossland arms in the second and third. The vibrant contrast of black and gold with red and white makes the flag instantly recognizable.

• Dimensions: The official flag has a ratio of 2:3.

A Brief History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption

The history of the Maryland flag is deeply intertwined with its colonial and Civil War-era past.

• Colonial Origins: The Calvert and Crossland arms were used as family banners during the colonial period, long before the United States was founded. They were symbols of authority and allegiance to the colony's founders.

• The Civil War Divide: During the American Civil War, Maryland was a divided border state. Those who sympathized with the Confederacy often used the red and white Crossland banner, while Union supporters adopted the black and gold Calvert banner. The separate flags became symbols of the state's internal conflict.

• Reconciliation and Adoption: After the war, there was a concerted effort to reunite the state. The two historical designs were combined into a single flag as a powerful symbol of reconciliation. The flag was officially adopted by the state legislature on March 9, 1904.

Historical Context and the State of Maryland

Maryland's flag is a vivid reminder of its unique place in American history. As one of the original 13 colonies, its founding story is directly represented on its banner. The flag's Civil War history sets it apart from all other state flags, as it serves as a permanent memorial to a period of deep internal division and the eventual triumph of unity. The design is a visual testament to the state's resilience and its ability to reconcile historical differences.

Significance for Residents

For residents of Maryland, the flag is more than just a state symbol; it is a point of immense pride and a key part of their cultural identity. Its intricate and bold design is celebrated and used everywhere, from sports team logos to personal clothing and home decorations. The flag is a constant reminder of the state’s rich colonial heritage, its unique role as a border state during the Civil War, and the enduring message of reconciliation it embodies. It is a unifying symbol that connects Marylanders to their past and to each other.

Interesting Facts

• The Maryland flag is the only U.S. state flag based entirely on English heraldry, with no state seal or other modern elements.

• The flag is consistently ranked as one of the best-designed state flags in the United States by vexillologists (flag experts) due to its unique, historically-based design.

• The specific color arrangements and patterns on the flag have strict heraldic rules. The black and gold of the Calvert arms represent the family's allegiance to the Catholic Church, while the red and white of the Crossland arms are derived from the family's connection to the Crusades.

• When the flag is displayed vertically, the black and gold quarter that is in the top-left corner must remain in the top-left. To achieve this, the flag is rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

• The flag's design predates the founding of the United States, linking Marylanders to their colonial origins and the early history of the American continent.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.