What do the 50 state flags of the US represent?

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Maryland​

Maryland's state flag is an exercise in colorful heraldry. It bears the coat of arms of the Calvert and Crossland families. George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, founded Maryland and is represented by black and gold. The red and white colors and symbolic cross identify the Crosslands, Calvert's maternal family.​

 

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Massachusetts​

The state's coat of arms defines the Massachusetts state flag. It bears the image of a Native American clutching a bow and arrow. The white star within the shield represents the state as one of the original colonies. The ribbon below is inscribed with the state motto in Latin, which means "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty."​

 

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Michigan​

Michigan's state flag contains the state coat of arms on a blue field. The bald eagle holding an olive branch and arrows represents the United States. A moose and elk, both common to Michigan, support a shield showing a man standing next to a river. Three mottos in Latin grace the flag: E Pluribus Unum ("From many, one"), Tuebor ("I will defend"), and Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice ("If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you").​

 

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Minnesota​

Three dates are woven into the wreath surrounding the state seal set in the center of the Minnesota state flag: 1885 (the year of statehood); 1819 (the year Fort Snelling was established); and 1893 (the year the original flag was adopted). The 19 stars denote Minnesota's status as the 19th state to enter the Union. The state motto is written in French: L’étoile du Nord, meaning "the star of the north." Within the seal and representative of Minnesota's indigenous heritage is a Native American on horseback.​