Annapolis, Maryland’s Capital

Though Baltimore is often the first city you think of when people mention Maryland, it should be noted that Annapolis can definitely hold its own. It provides a scenic backdrop for many important historical events that took place in colonial America.

Historic

Annapolis (then called Providence) was founded in 1649 when a group of Puritans settled in the New World to avoid religious persecution. As the settlement grew, it became the Maryland province and was named after Lord Baltimore’s wife, Anne Arundell. This was subsequently changed to Annapolis in honor of Queen Anne of England in 1702.

Jutting above the charming European-style architecture of retail and residential buildings lining Main Street, you will see the dome of the State Capitol. On top is an egg-shaped base (cupola) that serves as the base for the pole bearing the American flag on top and the uniquely patterned eye-catching yellow-black-red-white quadrants that characterizes Maryland’s flag. But that’s not all. Above it sits a weather vane, and it is a lightning rod as well.

As the seat of government, the Maryland State House also holds the distinction as the only one that was also the nation’s capitol at one point. Here, George Washington resigned as the Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and where the Treaty of Paris was ratified. Today, the Maryland State House continuous to be the oldest State House still in continuous use.

Cultural

Right by the water where you can hail yourself a water taxi, is the only memorial commemorating Kunta Kinte. This memorial names and marks his arrival to America as a slave. His story was told in Alex Haley’s “Roots”, where he was supposedly plucked from Gambia and made his way to Annapolis with 90+ other survivors of the long journey. In the spirit of strong oral tradition where many stories are passed down from one generation to another, the memorial shows Alex Haley seemingly telling a story to three children in rapt attention.

Scenic

Not all state houses sit on top of a hill overlooking historical homes and a view of the city dock with its many fine-feathered friends flying and flitting in and out. Whether you are looking from the State House or viewing the town scene as you approach the docks from a rented water taxi, the scene is breathtaking and picturesque. It is taking a step back to a time when America was still finding its way and struggling to fight for its independence and learning to stand on her own feet with the apron strings cut off from her colonial master.

Travel Tips

• There are plenty of eating establishments that offer plenty of outdoor seating for those who prefer to people-watch and take in the water activities while cracking the crab legs or peeling their Old Bay-flavored shrimp. There are plenty of options including places for indulging in your sweet tooth with caramel apples and fudge shops.
• There are ample parking garages that are a short walk to Main Street. There are certain days where the street and garage parking fees are waived like during Black Friday this year. Here is a link to a more comprehensive list of free or reduced parking spots.
• Children enjoy hanging out near the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial because of its proximity to the water. Teeming with ducks and gulls, children will enjoy feeding them or just trying to waddle after the beautiful mandarin ducks.
• Take a short walk to the United States Naval Academy. Though it is currently NOT open to the public, you can view the mural called “Ranger” by Greg Harlan as part of the Art in Public Places Commission which depicts a “sea battle featuring John Paul Jones’s ship”. His remains supposedly lie in a crypt in the Naval Academy’s Chapel.
• Several historic homes are also within walking distance from the main drag. Some names include William Paca and Samuel Chase.

We have enjoyed taking the children to Annapolis. And although most of the history is still above their heads, trips like these impress upon them how fortunate we are to be living in America. As a homeschooling mother, these sorts of trips help bring history to life.

• Maryland State House