The Story Behind Maryland's Most Iconic Postcard Scenes
The Story Behind Maryland's Most Iconic Postcard Scenes
Every Maryland postcard tells a small piece of the state's story. Whether it's a blue crab, the state flag, or the Annapolis waterfront, these images aren't random — each one represents something Marylanders have celebrated for generations.
At Maryland Gifts, we've been sharing Maryland pride since 2012, and our postcard collection features some of the most requested scenes in the state. Here's the story behind a few of our favorites.
The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab
No symbol says "Maryland" quite like the blue crab. The Chesapeake Bay has supported a crabbing industry for centuries, and the blue crab was officially named Maryland's state crustacean in 1989. Crab feasts, Old Bay seasoning, and dockside crab shacks are all part of the culture this single image represents.
👉 Shop the Maryland is for Crabs Blue Crab Postcard.
https://maryland-gifts.com/products/maryland-is-for-crabs-blue-crab-postcard
The Maryland State Flag
Maryland's flag is often ranked among the most distinctive in the country, combining the black-and-gold Calvert family pattern with the red-and-white Crossland pattern. It's one of the only state flags that dates back to English heraldry, and it's instantly recognizable at tailgates, front porches, and boat docks across the state.
👉 Shop the Maryland Waving State Flag Postcard.
https://maryland-gifts.com/products/maryland-waving-state-flag-postcard-state-series
Annapolis and the Historic Waterfront
As Maryland's capital and home to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis blends colonial history with an active harbor. Its brick streets, sailboats, and 18th-century State House make it one of the most postcard-worthy cities on the East Coast.
👉 Shop the Annapolis Maryland Postcard.
https://maryland-gifts.com/products/annapolis-maryland-postcard
The Baltimore Skyline
Baltimore's Inner Harbor transformed the city's skyline starting in the 1980s, turning a former industrial waterfront into one of the most photographed harbors on the Atlantic coast. Today, the lit-up skyline at night is one of the most requested postcard images we carry.
👉 Shop the Baltimore Skyline at Night Postcard.
https://maryland-gifts.com/products/baltimore-skyline-at-night-postcard
The Black-Eyed Susan
Maryland's state flower was officially adopted in 1918. Its golden petals and dark center are said to echo the same black-and-gold colors found in the state flag and the Baltimore Orioles' uniforms — a small detail that ties several Maryland symbols together.
👉 Shop the Maryland Black Eyed Susan Postcard.
https://maryland-gifts.com/products/maryland-black-eyed-susan-postcard
Explore the Full Postcard Collection
With 26 designs celebrating everything from the Chesapeake Bay to the state flag, our postcard collection is one of the easiest ways to bring home — or send — a piece of Maryland's story.
👉 Browse our full Postcards & Notecards Collection.
https://maryland-gifts.com/collections/postcards
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the blue crab on so many Maryland postcards?
The blue crab has been part of Chesapeake Bay culture for centuries and was named Maryland's official state crustacean in 1989, making it one of the state's most recognized symbols.
What makes the Maryland flag design unique?
The flag combines two family heraldic patterns — the black-and-gold Calvert pattern and the red-and-white Crossland pattern — making it one of the few U.S. state flags rooted in English heraldry.
Which Maryland city appears most often on postcards?
Baltimore and Annapolis are the two most commonly featured cities, thanks to Baltimore's Inner Harbor skyline and Annapolis's historic waterfront and Naval Academy.
Discover More Maryland Favorites
If you love Maryland culture, be sure to explore our collections featuring Maryland apparel, flag accessories, crab-themed gifts, and University of Maryland merchandise.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone special, there's always a perfect way to celebrate Maryland.