The flag of Baltimore features the "Battle Monument", which is also the central motif on the city's seal.

Commemorating the soldiers and officers that fell in the defense of the city against the British land and sea attack in the Battle of Baltimore with the Battle of North Point and subsequent Bombardment of Fort McHenry on September 12-13-14th, 1814, during the War of 1812.

The design was by French emigre architect Maximilian Godefroy and five years later was placed as the central figure with the city incorporation date of 1797 underneath on the city's newly designed oval official seal in 1827.

In the 20th century, the monument was also placed over the black and gold colors design from the Calvert family quarters from the shield of the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the city flag now flown along with the American and Maryland state flags at all public buildings and many private sites.

Two other designs were submitted for consideration; both included the Battle Monument and the Calvert arms.