Maryland State Flag

Maryland’s flag was designed based on the coat of arms of its founding fathers, and the only state flag in the United States based on 17th century English heraldry. It was founded by a second baron, Cecilius Calvert, second Lord of Baltimore. Calvert was an heir of Kings Charles I and used his family’s gold and black arms as the first Maryland flag.

From 1861-1865, the red and white family banner of the Crossland family became popular. The Crosslands had married into Calvert family and had their own coat of arms, and this flag was often used by Maryland Union regiments.

After the Civil War, citizens of Maryland adopted a flag design which incorporated both Calvert and Crossland coat of arms. This flag was first seen flying during the 1880s during a parade to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Baltimore and is still used today. It was officially adopted by the General Assembly of Maryland in 1904.

This colorful, bright flag has the colors of black, gold, red and white. The gold and red of Calvert’s heraldry is a symbol of the bars of the palisade, given to Calvert as a reward for storming a fortification during a battle. The red and white coat of arms of the Crossland family displays a cross bottony (a cross with the ends of the arms shaped like trefoil—or three-leaved plant) in alternating red and white.

Fly your Maryland state flags with us and show the world all the many reasons Maryland is a great place to be. Our Maryland flags come with two shining brass grommets to help you hang it with ease. Our 4-inch by 6-inch flag comes mounted to a staff with a spear top that is 10-inches. Indoor and parade Maryland state flags feature a pole sleeve and eye-catching gold fringe around the edges. For outdoor display, the best fabrics for durability and extreme weather are our polyester 2 and glossy nylon, made to withstand the harshest of winds.

For on-the-go Maryland pride, we have vinyl decals that can be used indoors and out, and expertly made embroidered iron-on-patches so you can take Maryland with you wherever you find yourself!

NOTE: Indoor flags are made-to-order, so please allow 2-3 weeks before your order will ship.