The flag of Maryland is the official flag of the U.S. state of Maryland and the 17th-century heraldic banner of arms of Cecil, 2nd Baron Baltimore. It consists of the arms of his father George, 1st Baron Baltimore (1579–1632), quartered with those of his grandmother, heiress of the Crossland family.

Maryland's flag bears the arms of the Calvert and Crossland families. Calvert was the family name of the Lords Baltimore who founded Maryland, and their colors of gold and black appear in the first and fourth quarters of the flag.

The Maryland flag has been described as the perfect state flag — bold colors, interesting patterns, and correct heraldry—a flag that fairly shouts "Maryland." The design of the flag comes from the shield in the coat of arms of the Calvert family, the colonial proprietors of Maryland.

U.S. state flag consisting of a quartered design of alternating red-white and black-yellow panels. Alone of the 13 original states, Maryland has a state flag based on a flag flown under British rule.

The Story Behind Maryland's Striking State Flag. You might think Maryland's state flag dates back to the colonial era - but you'd be wrong. Though the state itself has been around since 1634, its eye-catching banner didn't gain official status until 1904. Talk about fashionably late to the party!