The Old Line State: A Living American Legacy
From Proprietary Colony to 7th State
Over the next century, Maryland grew and played a pivotal role in the American identity. Following the Revolutionary War, the state capital of Annapolis briefly served as the nation’s capital. It was inside the Maryland State House in December 1783 that George Washington famously resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, cementing the American principle of civilian rule. This rich historical journey culminated on April 28, 1788, when Maryland officially ratified the United States Constitution to enter the Union as the 7th state.
Symbols, Shields, and Mottos
The Maryland state flag is unique because it combines the historic heraldic banners of two founding families. The gold and black checkered quadrants represent the Calvert family arms, belonging to George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore and colonial proprietor of Maryland. The alternating red and white quadrants featuring a cross bottony represent the Crossland family arms, honoring George Calvert’s mother’s maternal lineage.
At the bottom of the shield rests Maryland’s historic state motto, “Fatti maschii, parole femine”. This Italian phrase traditionally translates to “Manly deeds, womanly words,” but is officially and modernly defined by state law as “Strong deeds, gentle words”
“Maryland is truly America in Miniature—encapsulating virtually every ecosystem and historical era that built the nation.”