Vote for Your Favorite Flag Design

As part of Frederick County's 275th Anniversary celebration, a contest is being held to select a new county flag. Below are the three finalists, as well as the current flag. Please select one of the four designs. (One vote per person.) Voting ends at 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 10th. The winner will be announced on Flag Day, which is June 14th. 

Current Design

The original Frederick County flag was created in 1976 by local artist James Pearl who won a contest sponsored by the Frederick County Bicentennial Committee. The final flag design was presented by Dana Kiester, Frederick County Bicentennial Committee Chair and was presented, then approved by the Board of County Commissioners on March 15, 1976. The flag (shown above) contains an image of Francis Scott Key pointing to a yellow replica of Frederick County encircled in blue, against a background of nine horizontal bars of equal width alternating in red and white. 

Frederick's United Future

In “Frederick’s United Future”, Frederick County as a whole is represented through a maroon red and white version of the Calvert family crest adorned by a twelve point white star surrounded by a navy blue circle. The red and white calvert design represents Frederick County’s incorporation within Maryland while sticking true to the previous flag’s design. Red represents the rapid growth of Frederick County while the white represents the serenity and peace of the countryside. The twelve point white star represents the twelve municipalities (Brunswick, Burkittsville, Emmitsburg, Frederick, Middletown, Mount Airy, Myersville, New Market, Rosemont, Thurmont, Walkersville, and Woodsboro) within Frederick County and their bright future together, as one. The blue encompassing the star represents the waters of Monocacy and the Potomac, which run through and border the county. 

The Past, the Present, and the Future

This design takes inspiration from the rich history of the area and the spirited people of Frederick County, incorporating elements into a representation of the booming agricultural industry and the county’s twelve unique, but united municipalities. The design incorporates the colors of the Maryland flag, using red, white, and yellow to collectively link the flag to that feeling of state pride common among many Marylanders. The twelve-pointed star represents the twelve municipalities that make up Frederick County, as well as a proxy for the brilliant sun overhead; both protecting and breathing life into one of the most important aspects of Frederick County: agriculture.  The plant with three leaves is a nod to this booming agricultural industry, being nourished by the overhead twelve-pointed sun. The three leaves are a symbol of harmony and understanding in many cultures, while also representing the past, present, and future of Frederick County.  This proposed design represents a new chapter in the history of Frederick County. It is a flag that reflects the county’s identity, and unique and storied history.

• 12-POINTED STAR - One point for each municipality in Frederick County and a proxy for the sun shining down on Frederick County’s agricultural industry.
• YELLOW & WHITE STRIPES - Colors used in the Maryland state flag, this particular shade of yellow is repurposed from the Calvert, Lords of Baltimore quadrants.
• 3-LEAFED PLANT - The number three has meaning in many cultures, most notably being symbolic for harmony and understanding. It is also the representation for past, present, and future, and creates the first and most stable geometric shape: the triangle. The plant itself is a stylized symbol for Frederick County’s bustling agricultural industry. An industry that encompasses almost 182,000 acres of farmland.
• RED FIELD - Color used in the Maryland state flag, this particular shade of red is repurposed from the Crossland quadrants.

Frederick the Crossroads of Maryland

Frederick County, rich history, bright future

Where the east opens to the west and the north connects with the south

Where traditions enrich innovation and technology

Where one can find both authentic rural hamlets and vibrant urban cities

Where farm to table happens every day

Where generational families’ welcome newcomers to the community

Where diverse backgrounds, cultures, faiths, races, ages, and abilities come to share and thrive

Frederick County, for 275 years serving as the crossroads at the center of Maryland

1748 – 2023