History

As our nation’s first peacetime capital, Annapolis was a political, cultural, and commercial mover and shaker of its day. Today, the historic roots of our colonial port city turned world-renowned recreational boating capital are visible at every turn.

A host of tours puts you in touch with four centuries of history and architecture – including the oldest State House in continuous legislative use in the nation. It was here that George Washington resigned his commission as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, and the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary War. 

A stroll along our brick-lined streets takes you past the homes of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence. Called a Museum without Walls, Annapolis boasts more 18th-century brick buildings than any town of comparable size in the nation.