Maryland's Flag Sparks Debate Over Symbolism

State celebrates 122nd birthday of official flag amid discussions on its complex history and meaning

Mar. 10, 2026 at 5:49pm

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Maryland celebrated the 122nd birthday of its official state flag on Monday, but the flag's symbolism has become a political flashpoint. While many Marylanders consider the flag a cultural linchpin, some lawmakers and historians disagree about its meaning, with the state's first Black governor calling it a "contradiction" that combines Confederate and Union symbols. Experts say the flag's complicated history has led to different interpretations, sparking debate in the political arena.

Why it matters

The debate over Maryland's state flag highlights the complex and nuanced nature of state symbols, which can carry different meanings for different people. As the state's first Black governor, Wes Moore's comments have sparked discussions about the flag's historical significance and whether it should be reconsidered, raising questions about how states grapple with symbols that may be viewed as divisive or problematic.

The details

Maryland's state flag is based on the Great Seal of Maryland, created by the state's founder and first governor, Cecil Calvert. The flag combines Calvert's family symbol of black and gold with the red and white symbol of his paternal grandmother's family. Some have interpreted this as representing the state's divided loyalties during the Civil War, with the black and gold representing the Union and the red and white representing the Confederacy. However, experts say this narrative is largely overblown, and the flag has always been a unified symbol.

  • Maryland celebrated the 122nd birthday of its official state flag on Monday (March 10, 2026).
  • Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the flag a "contradiction" on The Press Box podcast on January 29, 2026.

The players

Wes Moore

The first Black governor of Maryland, who called the state flag a "contradiction" that combines Confederate and Union symbols.

Stephen Hershey Jr.

The Senate Minority Leader in Maryland, who criticized Moore's characterization of the flag as "wholly inappropriate" and "very hurtful to the citizens of Maryland".

Cecil Calvert

The founder and first governor of Maryland, who created the Great Seal of Maryland that inspired the state flag.

David Armenti

The vice president of education and engagement at the Maryland Center of History and Culture, who said the flag's history is "complex" and "carries different meaning for different people".

Zachary Gardiner

A vexillologist, or flag specialist, who researched the origins of the Maryland flag and found that the concept of the black-and-yellow and red-and-white quarters separating and reuniting is "largely overblown".

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What they’re saying

“The fact that he called the Maryland flag a contradiction I think is not only wholly inappropriate, but is very hurtful to the citizens of Maryland that really look at this Maryland flag [with] pride.”

— Stephen Hershey Jr., Senate Minority Leader (Capital News Service)

“It is a unique and nuanced story. It's complex, and it carries different meaning for different people. But what I think is more important is that it opens up the door to learn about it.”

— David Armenti, Vice President of Education and Engagement, Maryland Center of History and Culture (Capital News Service)

“Ultimately, I couldn't find any examples of red, white and red being used as secessionist colors by Maryland in reference to the Crossland aspect of the coat of arms. It was always in reference to what some people call the secession banner.”

— Zachary Gardiner, Vexillologist (Capital News Service)

What’s next

The debate over the Maryland flag's symbolism is likely to continue, with some lawmakers and historians pushing for a re-evaluation of the flag's meaning and potential changes, while others defend it as a cherished state symbol. The governor's office has indicated that the flag will not be changed, but the discussion is expected to remain a political issue in the state.

The takeaway

The debate over Maryland's state flag highlights the complex and nuanced nature of state symbols, which can carry different meanings for different people based on their historical and cultural perspectives. As states grapple with how to represent their history and identity, this case study demonstrates the importance of open and thoughtful dialogue to understand the full context and significance of such symbols.