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Greenbury Point was the first settled area in what is now Annapolis. The Puritans called it Providence when they arrived in 1649. The area grew and developed near the Severn River. By 1694, the settlement had designated by Governor Sir Francis Nicholson as a new capitol city for the Province of Maryland. The first seat was in St. Mary’s City. The new city, Annapolis, was named for the future queen of England, Anne. Its translation is "Anne’s City." This settlement area is now all located in a National Historic Landmark area.
Incorporated on November 22, 1708, by Governor John Seymour on behalf of Queen Anne. This charter was the only one issued under the Royal Seal in Maryland. Annapolis is the oldest incorporated city in Maryland. Annapolis is the place of |
many "firsts" in Maryland, among them are: nation’s first State House, first parochial libraries, and the first printing of the Maryland Gazette. Many famous and important events took place here in Annapolis. The Treaty of Paris was signed here. This treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War.
Annapolis ranks as one of our more charming East Coast cities to visit. Moreover, the charm has a substance behind it. Annapolis is a small city, but many important political events occurred here, such as George Washington resigning his commission as head of the Continental Army. Annapolis residents have nurtured their historical story well, carefully preserving the town’s buildings from the earliest eras.
The city also has few equals in the U.S. for its water resources, the Severn River, South River, Magothy River and Chesapeake Bay. When visiting this self-described "Sailing Capital of the U.S.," a visitor should get out on the bay in an excursion boat to see some of the thousands of pleasure sailing craft that dock here. The Eastport section of Annapolis has a long boat-building tradition. If you own a boat or have always desired to own a boat, you will want to consider Annapolis. Many inlets, ageless early settlement towns, seafood, waterside dining, and thrill of being this close to nature are all amenities that are uniquely Annapolis.
Annapolis also boasts a special institution, the U.S. Naval Academy, which welcomes visitors. You can walk the grounds and see the midshipmen who will manage the U.S. naval fleet in the next generation. Then tour the crypt in the basement of the Naval Academy Chapel and see the sarcophagus of America’s first naval hero, John Paul Jones, whose famous line, when nearly defeated, was "I have not yet begun to fight."
The people of Annapolis know they have something unique to offer a visitor and have worked hard to preserve their heritage, especially their architecture. Building codes carefully manage growth so that the shells of older structures are preserved, but put to modern use. Lodging options range from modern hotels to cozy B&Bs.
THE NAVAL ACADEMY
Visitors are welcome on the U.S. Naval Academy grounds, but everyone needs to have a picture ID to show the guards at the entrance.
Some 4,000 midshipmen a year take their college training at the Naval Academy. You can wander freely on the grounds, taking in their huge dorm, Bancroft Hall, said to be the largest dorm anywhere. The Naval Academy Chapel has lovely Tiffany glass windows. An appropriate theme in the stained glass over the altar is "Christ Walking on the Water."
The local tourism contact is the Annapolis & Anne Arundell County Conference & Visitors Bureau, 26 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-280-0445, www.visit-annapolis.org.
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