The Maryland Flag: History, Meaning, and Proper Display

Introduction

If you've ever spotted the Maryland flag and done a double-take, you're not alone. It's truly beautiful and unlike any other state flag in the nation. Here's everything you need to know about it's history, what it means, and how to honor it properly.

A Flag Born from Two Families

The Maryland flag is the only U.S. state flag based directly in English heraldry. It is rooted in the coat of arms of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore and founder of the Maryland colony. The design combines the heraldic symbols of two families:

• The black and gold design — the bold cross bottony pattern in black and gold — comes from the Calvert family coat of arms. George Calvert adopted these colors from his paternal family.
• The red and white design — the cross bottony pattern in red and white- bearing a Greek cross with arms terminating in trefoils — comes from the Crossland family, the maternal side of George Calvert's lineage.

Together, the two designs were quartered — alternating in opposite corners — creating the striking four-quadrant flag we know today.

Early Maryland Flags

Before the adoption of the current flag design, Maryland used various flag styles with no officially legislated design. A banner featuring the Calvert Coat Of Arms was carried in the early days of the Maryland colony. During the colonial period the black and gold only banner became most associated with Maryland. After the revolution the use of the Calvert Coat Of Arms was largely abandoned due to it's English heraldry. During the mid 1800's the Calvert colors began to be seen again in various public displays and in 1854 plans were made to redesign the Great Seal to include the Calvert Coat Of Arms. Prior to and during the Civil War, the most common flag design that emerged was the Great Seal Of Maryland against a blue background. This design was used by some organizations as late as the 1890's. Maryland Civil War troops, both North and South, each used a part of the heraldic arms, with the North using the black and gold and the South using the red and white. After the war, flags once again combining of the Coat Of Arms colors became a unifying act of reconciliation.

When It Became Official

Flags incorporating four quadrants alternating between the yellow-and-black Calvert arms and the red-and-white Crossland arms appear in October 1880 in published sketches by Frank B. Mayer depicting the huge 150th birthday parade held in Baltimore that month. Eight years later, in October 1888, a large flag with the alternating Calvert and Crossland colors was carried by Maryland National Guard troops escorting Governor Elihu E. Jackson at the dedication ceremonies for the Maryland monument at the Gettysburg Battlefield. A year later, in October 1889, the Fifth Regiment, Maryland National Guard, adopted a flag in this form as its regimental color. The Fifth Regiment thereby became the first organization to adopt officially what is today the Maryland flag.

Despite its long history, the Maryland flag wasn't officially adopted as the state flag until April 9, 1904 — but still making it one of the older official state flags in the country. It is widely considered one of the most distinctive and well-designed state flags in the United States, frequently topping various "best state flags" rankings.

How to Properly Display the Maryland Flag

When flying or displaying the Maryland flag, there are a few important guidelines:

• Orientation: The black and gold Calvert quadrants should always appear in the upper left (canton) position — that's the top-left corner when the flag is displayed horizontally, or the top when displayed vertically. An easy way to remember proper display is that the small black square is always in the upper left corner or as the saying goes "black square up in the air"!
• With the U.S. flag: When displayed together, the U.S. flag always takes the position of honor — to its own right (the viewer's left). The Maryland flag flies to the left of the U.S. flag from the viewer's perspective.
• Vertical display: When hung vertically, rotate the flag so the Calvert (black and gold) quadrant remains in the upper left with the small black square in the top left..
• Flagpoles/Flagstaff: On a flagpole, the flag should never touch the ground and should be raised briskly and lowered ceremonially. In 1945, a gold cross bottony was made the official ornament for a flagstaff carrying the Maryland flag.

Fun Fact from the Maryland Secretary of State

A lapel pin bearing a replica of the Maryland flag should be worn only on the left lapel near the heart. An actual requirement from Maryland protocol - but mostly because we LOVE Maryland!

How to Retire a Worn Maryland Flag

Like the U.S. flag, a Maryland state flag that is worn, faded, or no longer in suitable condition should be retired with dignity — not simply thrown in the trash.

Proper retirement options include:

• Flag retirement ceremonies: Many VFW posts, American Legion chapters, Boy Scout troops, and civic organizations hold formal flag retirement ceremonies, typically involving respectful burning. Contact your local chapter to participate or drop off a flag for retirement.
• Flag retirement boxes: Some municipalities, fire departments and veterans' organizations maintain drop boxes where worn flags can be left for proper retirement. In Carroll County, MD there is a box at Gamber Fire Department.
• Burning: If done privately, a flag may be burned in a dignified manner — not casually discarded in a fire. The burning should be done respectfully, and the ashes buried or scattered.

Note: While formal flag retirement guidelines (like the U.S. Flag Code) specifically address the U.S. flag, the same spirit of respect applies to state flags, and most organizations treat them accordingly.

A Historical Flag Worth Celebrating

Few states can claim a flag with as much history, symbolism, and visual impact as Maryland's. From its 17th-century heraldic roots to its role as a Civil War symbol of reconciliation, the Maryland flag tells the story of the state itself — complex, colorful, and proudly unique.

Where Can I Buy a Maryland Flag?

Glad you asked! The Maryland Store carries Maryland flags and a wide selection of Maryland Flag Gear. Whether you're flying it at home, gifting it to a fellow Free Stater, or replacing a worn-out flag, we've got you covered. Shop our Maryland flags and other crabby and American flags at themarylandstore.com.