Annapolis
Seaport and capital of Maryland, near the mouth of the River Severn on Chesapeake Bay; seat of Anne Arundel County; population (2000 est) 35,800. Annapolis, whose industries include radar equipment, is a commercial centre for the surrounding agricultural area, and is a popular recreational and tourist area lying only 40 km/25 mi from both Washington and Baltimore.
History
Founded in 1694 as the capital of colonial Maryland, Annapolis was initially called St Mary's City. It was renamed in honour of Princess (later Queen) Anne in 1697. It was incorporated as a town in 1708, and as a city in 1796. The State House (built 1772–80) is the oldest US state capitol in continuous legislative use. It was in session here that Congress received George
Washington's resignation as commander-in-chief in December 1793, and ratified the peace treaty of the American Revolution.
| The State House, built 1772–80, is the oldest US state capitol in continuous legislative use. It was in session here November 1783–June 1784 that Congress received George Washington's resignation as commander-in-chief 1783 and ratified the peace treaty that ended the Revolutionary War. |
Features St John's College in Annapolis is the third oldest college in the USA. Founded originally as King William's School in 1696, it became St John's College in 1784 and has a second campus (1964) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The US Naval Academy, founded as the Naval School in 1845, is one of 29 entries for Annapolis on the National Register of Historic Places. Others include a cemetery, churches, historic districts, and the old State House. The US naval hero John Paul Jones is buried in the chapel crypt at the academy. |
