The state flag of Maryland reminds people of the traditions of the early peoples. It's much like the flags Maryland flew in the 1630's, just after its founding.  Maryland's founder, the Calvert family, like other high-class British families, had its own coat of arms.  This became the symbol of colonial Maryland and later part of the state flag.  Black and gold show up also in the state bird (Baltimore Oriole) and state flower (Black-eyed Susan).

statehood: 1788, the 7th state
year made state flag: 1904