Maryland: State Flag, Bird and Facts
The Baltimore oriole is the state bird of Maryland, and the black-eyed susan is the state flower.
- Capital
- Annapolis
- Nickname
- Old Line State
- State bird
- Baltimore oriole
- State flower
- Black-eyed susan
- State tree
- White oak(See also: Wye Oak)
- Admitted
- April 28, 1788
- Population
- 6,177,224 (2020 census)
- Motto
- Fatti maschii, parole femine
- Region
- South
- Area
- 32,131 km² (12,406 sq mi)
- Highest point
- Hoye-Crest (3,370 ft)
- Borders
- Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
About Maryland
Maryland is small, ranking ninth smallest by land, but with about 6.1 million people it is among the most crowded states. Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware border it, along with the Atlantic and Washington, D.C. Annapolis is the capital, and Baltimore is the largest city. George Calvert and his son Cecil secured the colony's charter in 1632, partly as a safe place for Catholics.
The flag is a 17th-century coat of arms belonging to Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. Two family designs are arranged in four quarters: the Calvert arms of his father George and the Crossland arms of his grandmother. The General Assembly made it official in 1904. Its many nicknames run from America in Miniature to the Terrapin State.
Did you know?
- Hoye-Crest is the highest point in Maryland, at 3,370 feet.
- Maryland's official nickname is the Old Line State.
- The white oak is Maryland's official state tree.
Questions about Maryland
Why is the Maryland flag so different?
It is the family coat of arms of the Barons Baltimore, quartering the Calvert and Crossland designs.
When did Maryland become a state?
Maryland ratified the Constitution on April 28, 1788.
Sources
- Wikidata Q1391, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Maryland, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Flag of Maryland, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.