Annapolis, Maryland, is a city rich in American history and heritage. As the nation’s first peacetime capital, Annapolis played an important role in the country’s political, cultural, and commercial history. Today, the historic character of this colonial port city and world-renowned recreational boating destination can be seen throughout downtown Annapolis and along the waterfront.
Visitors can explore four centuries of history through historic sites, museums, walking tours, and guided experiences. The Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the nation, is one of Annapolis’s most significant landmarks. The building is where George Washington resigned his commission as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, and where the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the American Revolutionary War.
History extends beyond downtown Annapolis throughout Anne Arundel County. Visitors can explore historic waterfront communities like Eastport, colonial-era landmarks, military history around Fort Meade, African American heritage in South County, maritime traditions, and the stories of the people and communities that helped shape Maryland. From Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay waterfront to historic sites across the county, there are countless opportunities to experience the people, places, and events that shaped the region and the nation.
