16 / Maryland at a Glance Maryland Manual 1996-1997

STATE FISH. The striped bass or rockfish (Roccus
saxatilis 2) was designated the official fish of the
State of Maryland in 1965 (Chapter 513, Acts of
1965; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-
304). It is considered by many to be the premier
sport and commercial species on the Bay. The
silver-flanked, irridescent-striped rockfish is a chal-
lenge to catch and a delight to eat.

STATE FLAG. Maryland's flag bears the arms of the
Calvert and Crossland families. Calvert was the family name
of the Lords Baltimore who founded Maryland, and their
colors of gold and black appear in the first and fourth
quarters of the flag. Crossland was the family of the mother
of George Calvert, first Lord Baltimore. The red and white
Crossland colors, with a Greek cross terminating in the foils,
appear in the second and third quarters. This flag was first
flown October 11, 1880, in Baltimore at a parade marking
the 150th anniversary of the founding of Baltimore. It also
was flown October 25, 1888, at Gettysburg Battlefield for
ceremonies dedicating monuments to Maryland regiments
of the Army of the Potomac. Officially, it was adopted as the
State flag in 1904 (Chapter 48, Acts of 1904). Maryland
law requires that if any ornament is affixed to the top of a
flagstaff carrying the Maryland flag, the ornament must be
a gold cross bottony (Chapter 862, Acts of 1945; Code State
Government Article, secs. 13-201 through 13-204).

STATE FLOWER. The Black-Eyed Susan (Rud-
beckia hirta) has been the official Maryland flower
since 1918 (Chapter 458, Acts of 1918; Code State
Government Article, sec. 13-305). A yellow daisy,
or coneflower, it blooms in late summer and is
commonly found in fields and on roadsides.

STATE FOLK DANCE. In 1994, Square Danc-
ing was designated the State Folk Dance (Chapter
707, Acts of 1994; Code State Government Article,
sec. 13-313). This art form integrates dances from
various cultures: the Morris and Maypole dances of
England, ballroom dances of France, Church
dances of Spain, and folk dances of Australia, Ire-
land, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Russia, and
other nations. Square Dancing has been a popular
folk tradition since 1651.