Annapolis on the Chesapeake Bay

Annapolis the capital of the U.S. state of Maryland is located on Chesapeake Bay. It is a wonderful city with scenic views over the ocean. The city is one of the oldest cities in the US. It had the honor of serving as the capital of the nation before it was moved to the District of Columbia. Annapolis was one of the first cities to be designated as a National Historic Landmark District.

Tourists enjoy exploring the Historic District beginning with the Museum of Historic Annapolis.

Walking up Prince George Street you’ll come to the Sand’s House built in 1681.

Also of interest are:

The 18th-century Waterfront Warehouse

The Shiplap House dating from 1715

Hogshead area with small residential buildings

At the junction of East Street, you’ll find the impressive James Brice House

You can take a tour of the Hammond-Harwood House

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church is the centerpiece of Church Circle. The church sits atop a hill located at the convergence of the main streets. Among the highlights here are a Tiffany stained-glass window, hand-sewn needlepoint kneelers, and the original silver communion service, given as a gift from King William when the first church on this spot was breaking ground in 1696.

Another beautiful church is the Gothic St. Mary’s Church featuring ribbed vaulting and detailed carvings.

William Paca House and Garden is a grand Colonial-era home dating from 1765. It was the home of William Paca, a wealthy young planter. He too put his signature on the Declaration of Independence.

The garden has five terraces, a pond, and a wilderness garden. Inside the house, you can see two floors of antique furnishings, the family silverware, and decorative arts. This property has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy where future officers are educated and trained. The lush grounds of the Academy reflect the beauty of Beaux-Arts architecture and historical monuments which commemorate naval events. The Visitor Center offers guided walking and riding tours.

The U.S. Naval Academy Museum was established in 1845. On display you’ll find exhibits that are related to naval history and the training of marines and sailors.

The Maryland State House is the oldest state house that is still in legislative use. Construction began in 1772 and the building was completed seven years later. It has a wooden dome dating from 1794 which makes it the oldest and largest wooden dome of its kind in the U.S. The original interior was built with wood and plaster and the newest section has Italian marble and columns.

Thurgood Marshall Memorial honors the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The statue of Marshall stands outside the State House.

The Annapolis Maritime Museum sits on the shores of Black Creek. It has found its home in the last oyster packing plant to operate in Annapolis. You can learn the history of boat building and the local oyster industry. Among the exhibits are maps, photos, and documents which describe the business and culture of the area. There are special exhibits that feature topics related to local maritime history.

The Government House has been the official residence of the Governors of Maryland since 1870. This is a Georgian-style country house and features the portraits of Charles Willson Peale, one of America’s foremost portrait painters. You can also see furnishings by Potthast, eminent Baltimore furniture makers of the 19th century.

The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial marks the arrival location of Haley’s African ancestor, Kunta Kinte as written in the book “Roots”. The memorial depicts a seated Haley reading a book to three children of different ethnic backgrounds.

The Banneker-Douglass Museum is dedicated to preservation and education. Its permanent exhibit looks at the history of African Americans in Maryland from the first slave’s arrival in 1633. Visitors can listen to a speech made by Frederick Douglass, learn about the efforts Thurgood Marshall took to change the education system and see artifacts like Harriet Tubman’s reward poster. There are changing exhibits that revolve around various topics from the art and culture of African tribes to the artwork of African-American artists.

St. John’s College was once a traditional liberal arts college but changed to a classic-based curriculum. It was chartered in 1784. It was housed in a building that was completed in 1789 and is now referred to as McDowell Hall which is the third oldest academic building that is still in continuous use.

Quiet Waters Park lies in a lovely setting between Harness Creek and the South River. The park has hiking trails and six miles of paved trails for strolling, biking, and running. There are two fenced dog parks, a dog beach, and a playground for children. For recreation on the water, you can rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and paddleboats. Bikes are also for rent. The park has lovely formal gardens and event facilities to rent. The visitor center displays the artwork of local artists. You can relax at a café that served locally sourced fare.

Sandy Point State Park stretches along the shores of Chesapeake Bay. There is a sandy beach with lifeguard stations, a bathhouse, food concessions, and beach supplies. Nearby are a playground, a picnic area, and a pavilion for larger groups. Park facilities include a marina with boat rentals. The park is on the “Eastern Flyway” a flight path taken by many species of migratory birds, so it is also great for bird watchers.