Sign in Using FacebookAnnapolis Guide » More About Annapolis: Interesting Facts
Interesting Facts
- Unlike many American cities (Washington, DC notably excepted), Annapolis was laid out in the European manner – based on circles rather than grids. City focal points include the State House and St. Anne's Episcopal Church, which lie within grand circles. From these governmental and religious centers, streets radiate into commercial and domestic areas. It's said that Pierre L'Enfant designed Washington, DC, after taking inspiration from Annapolis's layout.
- Annapolis's Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol building in the United States in continuous legislative use. From November 1783 to August 1784, Annapolis served as the first peacetime capital. Visitors can even see the Old Senate Chamber – the site where General George Washington resigned his commission and where Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris.
- Education is a central foundation of Annapolis history; therefore, it's fitting that the city is home to the country's third-oldest school, St. John's, alma mater of Francis Scott Key, author of "The Star Spangled Banner." However, St. John's is also home to the 400-year-old Liberty Tree, one of the last trees commemorating the Sons of Liberty meeting place before the American Revolution.
- If you don't like water, Annapolis may not be the place for you. Maryland is a state with lots of water. 4000 miles of shoreline and 400 lakes make this state a wonderful destination for those who have an affinity for watersports. The mammoth Chesapeake Bay is 185 miles long, 30 miles wide at its widest, 174 feet deep, and holds 18 trillion gallons of water! With all of this water, it's nice to know that Annapolis offers a water taxi service during the summer.
- Maryland was first inhabited by Paleo-Indians who traveled more than 10,000 years ago from other parts of North America to hunt mammoth, bison and caribou. Around 1000 BC, the state was home to over 8000 Native Americans comprised of 40 different tribes. Today, the Native American influence can still be seen in the state place names including Potomac, Piscataway, Accokeek and Choptank.
- Annapolis is home to the US Naval Academy, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country. The Academy is known for its commissioning week traditions including the famous graduation "hat-toss." These traditions are such an integral part of the Academy that the entire 338-acre campus known as "the yard" has been declared a National Historic Landmark.
- An impressive four signers of the Declaration of Independence made their home in Annapolis. Three of these homes are open for public viewing today. They include the William Paca House & Gardens, the Chase-Lloyd House, and the Hammond-Harwood House.
- In 1791, scientist Benjamin Banneker became the first African-American employee of the federal government. The Banneker-Douglas museum in Annapolis serves as the state repository for African-American arts and culture.
- Though Annapolis is known for its rich historical tradition, the city and outer reaches of Anne Arundel County have become prime locations for research and development. The National Cryptologic Museum and the Ft. Meade Museum house decoding devices and weapons used during both world wars, and The Historical Electronics Museum showcases an interesting chronologic timeline of the evolution of electronics.
- The Puritans were the first white settlers in Annapolis, initially naming the area Providence. Later, the settlement was renamed Annapolis in honor of Princess Anne, the future Queen of England. The city prospered from 1694 to 1776 as the center of political life of the colony. The area became an elegant social center. Modern Annapolis abounds with historic architecture from the city's affluent beginnings.
Eat Out and Save Money!
