The State Flag of Maryland

The only state flag based on English heraldry, the state flag of Maryland has an interesting history that ultimately resulted in the symbolism found in the flag design. An analysis of the flag provides insight into the history of the state of Maryland itself.

Symbolism

The Maryland state flag bears the arms of the Crossland and Calvert families. The design of the flag basically consists of four quarters. The first and fourth quarters display the gold and black images of the Calvert family coat of arms, while the second and third quarters display the red and white Crossland colors with a cross botony. Calvert is the family name of the Lords Baltimore who originally founded Maryland. Crossland is the family name of the mother of the first Lord Baltimore, George Calvert.

History

Prior to the Civil War, only the gold and black Calvert family arms was associated with Maryland. During the American Civil War, many Maryland citizens supported the Confederacy, even though Maryland officially sided with the Union. The Maryland citizens who sided with the Confederacy adopted a banner that consisted of the red and white Crossland family arms to distinguish themselves from the state that remained with the Union. After the Civil War, the present design that combines the two symbols began appearing, in an attempt to symbolize the reconciliation of the two groups of Maryland citizens following the end of the war. The flag in its present design was first flown at a parade on October 11, 1880. This flag was officially adopted as the state flag of Maryland on November 25, 1904.

The state flag of Maryland speaks volumes about Maryland's history. By understanding the history and symbolism of the flag, you can better understand the state.