Maryland State Flags

Maryland State Flag Material Buyer's Guide

• For High-Wind & Coastal Areas (2-Ply Tough-Ply Polyester MD Flag): This is our "Chesapeake-Grade" fabric. It features a heavy-duty weave that allows moisture and high-velocity wind to pass through the material, making it the most durable choice for Maryland’s coastal regions.

• For Brilliant Color & Intricate Detail (Heavy-Duty Nylon MD Flag): Our top choice for residential displays. These flags are treated with specialized UV-inhibitors to protect the deep "Crossland Red" and "Calvert Gold" from sun-bleaching, ensuring the intricate pattern stays sharp for 2026 and beyond.

• The Tidmore Standard: Every Maryland flag we sell is 100% Made in the USA, FMAA-certified, and follows the official specifications of the Maryland Secretary of State. We ensure the black-and-gold Calvert quadrants are perfectly aligned with the red-and-white Crossland quadrants.

Maryland State Flag Material Guide - What material is best for you location?

What Size Maryland State Flag Should I Buy?

While our Heavy-Duty Nylon is the standard for vibrant color, and our 2-Ply Polyester is built for the Chesapeake winds, the most important factor in a professional display is the scale. Before you order, see our Maryland State Flag Size Guide: What Size MD Flag Should You Fly? to learn why a 20ft residential pole typically requires a 3x5ft flag, whereas a 25ft pole—common for Baltimore businesses and Annapolis government buildings—is better suited for a 4x6ft design to ensure Maryland Heraldic Proportions are maintained.

Can I fly the Maryland flag with the American flag?

Flying the American flag alongside the Maryland state flag creates a respectful, balanced display for homes, businesses, schools, and government buildings. To simplify sizing and ensure proper etiquette, our American flag and Maryland state flag bundle pairs both flags in matched materials, proportions, and finishes for indoor or outdoor use.

The Heraldry of the Maryland Flag: Calvert and Crossland

The Maryland State Flag is the only U.S. state flag based on 17th-century British heraldry. It was officially adopted in 1904, but its roots date back to the founding of the Maryland colony in 1634. At Tidmore Flags, we honor this ancient lineage by ensuring every flag adheres to these historic standards:

• The Calvert Family Coat of Arms: The black and gold (yellow) quadrants represent the family of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore. These colors have come to symbolize the state’s resilience and wealth.

• The Crossland Family Coat of Arms: The red and white "bottony" quadrants represent the maternal family of the second Lord Baltimore. These colors were famously used by Marylanders as a symbol of regional identity.

• The "Bottony" Cross: Unlike a standard cross, the Maryland flag uses a Cross Bottony, where the ends of the arms are shaped like trefoils. We ensure these are precisely rendered to meet official Maryland state requirements.

• The "Hoist" Tradition: In Maryland, it is a strict tradition that the flag be flown with the black-and-gold (Calvert) quadrant at the top of the hoist. Every Tidmore flag is finished with reinforced headers to ensure your display remains historically and legally correct.