Maryland State Flag 

MD flag
                                 
The 7th state, admitted 1788

The design of the Maryland MD state flag is based on the coats of arms of two families - the Calvert's and the Crosland's.  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 Maryland state flag are the arms of the Calvert's.  The red and white quarters of the Maryland state flag honor the family of Lord Baltimore's mother, the Crosland's.  Black and gold are now the official colors of Maryland, fitting for the official flower, the black-eyed Susan.  Maryland State Flag Adopted:  1904