Flag History
The design of the Maryland state flag is based on the coats of arms of two families - the Calverts and the Crosslands. In 1632, King Charles I of England granted the land that was to be Maryland to Sir George Calvert, who later became the first Lord Baltimore. When he died, the land went to his son, Cecil Calvert, known as the second Lord Baltimore. The black and gold quarters of the flag are the arms of the Calverts. The red and white quarters of the flag honor the family of Lord Baltimore's mother, the Crosslands. Black and gold are now the official colors of Maryland, fitting for the official flower, the black-eyed susan.
Flag Adopted: 1904
State Nickname: The Old Line State or the Free State
State Motto: With the shield of thy goodwill thou has covered us
Area: 10,460 square miles
Approximate Population: 4.3 million
Capital: Annapolis
Largest City: Baltimore
Major Products: dairy products, poultry, coal, cement, processed food
State Bird: Baltimore Oriole
State Tree: White Oak
State Flower: Black-eyed Susan
