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City of Annapolis
—  City  —
Sunset over the State House in Annapolis.
Flag Coat of arms
Nickname(s): "America's Sailing Capital" , "Sailing Capital of the World", "Naptown"
Motto: "Vixi Liber Et Moriar" - "I have lived, and I shall die, free"
Location in Anne Arundel County,Maryland
Coordinates: 38°58′22.6″N 76°30′4.17″W / 38.972944°N 76.5011583°W / 38.972944; -76.5011583Coordinates: 38°58′22.6″N 76°30′4.17″W / 38.972944°N 76.5011583°W / 38.972944; -76.5011583
Country	United States
State	Maryland
County	Anne Arundel
Founded	1649
Incorporated	1708
Government
- Mayor	Joshua J. Cohen (2009-)
- City Council	Council members Richard E. Israel (D) Fred M. Paone (R) Classie G. Hoyle (D) Sheila M. Finlayson (D) Mathew Silverman (D) Kenneth Kirby (D) Ian Pfeiffer (D) Ross H. Arnett III (D) [1]
Area
- Total	7.6 sq mi (19.7 km2)
- Land	6.7 sq mi (17.4 km2)
- Water	0.9 sq mi (2.3 km2)
Elevation	39 ft (12 m)
Population (2008)
- Total	36,524
- Density	5,451.3/sq mi (2,099.1/km2)
Time zone	EST (UTC-5)
- Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP Codes	21401-21405, 21409, 21411-21412
Area code(s)	410, 443
FIPS code	24-01600
GNIS feature ID	0595031
Website	City of Annapolis

Annapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Maryland, as well as the county seat of Anne Arundel County. It has a population of 36,524 (July 2008 est.),^[2] and is situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, 26 miles (42 km) south of Baltimore and about 29 miles (47 km) east of Washington D.C. Annapolis is part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. The city was the temporary capital of the United States in 1783–1784 and the site of the Annapolis Peace Conference, held in November 2007, at the United States Naval Academy. St. John's College is also in Annapolis.

History

Colonial and early United States
(1649–1808)

A settlement in the Province of Maryland named Providence was founded on the north shore of the Severn River in 1649 by Puritan exiles from Virginia led by Governor William Stone. The settlers later moved to a better-protected harbor on the south shore. The settlement on the south shore was initially named "Town at Proctor's," then "Town at the Severn," and later "Anne Arundel's Towne" (after the wife of Lord Baltimore who died soon afterwards). The city became very wealthy through the slave trade.

In 1654, after the Third English Civil War, Parliamentary forces assumed control of Maryland and Stone went into exile in Virginia. Per orders from Lord Baltimore, Stone returned the following spring at the head of a Cavalier force. On March 25, 1655, in what is known as the Battle of the Severn, Stone was defeated, taken prisoner, and replaced by Josias Fendall as Governor. Fendall governed Maryland during the latter half of the Commonwealth. In 1660, he was replaced by Phillip Calvert after the restoration of Charles II as King in England.

In 1694, soon after the overthrow of the Catholic government of Thomas Lawrence, Sir Francis Nicholson moved the capital of the royal colony to Anne Arundel's Towne and re-named the town Annapolis after Princess Anne, soon to be the Queen of Great Britain. Annapolis was incorporated as a city in 1708.

From the middle of the 18th century until the American Revolutionary War, Annapolis was noted for its wealthy and cultivated society. The Maryland Gazette, which became an important weekly journal, was founded there by Jonas Green^{[3] [4]} in 1745; in 1769 a theatre was opened; during this period also the commerce was considerable, but declined rapidly after Baltimore, with its deeper harbor, was made a port of entry in 1780. Water trades such as oyster-packing, boatbuilding and sailmaking became the city's chief industries. Currently, Annapolis is home to a large number of recreational boats that have largely replaced the seafood industry in the city.

John Shaw Flag (red first variation)

John Shaw Flag (white first variation)

Annapolis became the temporary capital of the United States after the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Congress was in session in the state house from November 26, 1783, to June 3, 1784, and it was in Annapolis on December 23, 1783, that General Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.

For the 1783 Congress, the Governor of Maryland commissioned John Shaw, a local cabinet maker, to create an American flag^[5]. The flag is slightly different from other designs of the time. The blue field extends over the entire height of the hoist. Shaw created two versions of the flag: one which started with a red stripe and another that started with a white one.

In 1786, a convention, to which delegates from all the states of the Union were invited, was called to meet in Annapolis to consider measures for the better regulation of commerce; but delegates came from only five states (New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, and Delaware), and the convention, known afterward as the "Annapolis Convention", without proceeding to the business for which it had met, passed a resolution calling for another convention to meet at Philadelphia in the following year to amend the Articles of Confederation. The Philadelphia convention drafted and approved the Constitution of the United States, which is still in force.

Civil War era (1849–late 1800s)

During this period, a Parole Camp was set up in Annapolis. As the war continued, the camp expanded to a larger location just outside of the city. The area is still referred to as Parole. Wounded Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners were brought by sea to a major hospital in Annapolis.

Contemporary (1900s–present)

View of Annapolis from the State House dome, 1911

In 1900 Annapolis had a population of 8,585.^[6]

To the north of the state house is a monument to Thurgood Marshall, the first black justice of the US Supreme Court and formerly a Maryland lawyer who won many important civil rights cases.

Close by are the state treasury building, erected late in the 17th century for the House of Delegates; Saint Anne's Protestant Episcopal church, in later colonial days a state church, a statue of Roger B. Taney (by W.H. Rinehart), and a statue of Baron Johann de Kalb.

Annapolis has many 18th century houses. The names of several of the streets—King George's, Prince George's, Hanover, and Duke of Gloucester, etc.—date from colonial days. The United States Naval Academy was founded here in 1845. Many of these streets, including the Ego Alley area of Annapolis were known as "Hell's Point" during the 1920s.^{[citation needed]}

Annapolis is the seat of St. John's College, a non-sectarian private college that was once supported by the state; it was opened in 1789 as the successor of King William's School, which was founded by an act of the Maryland legislature in 1696 and was opened in 1701. Its principal building, McDowell Hall, was originally to be the governor's mansion; although £4000 was appropriated to build it in 1742, it was not completed until after the War of Independence.

In the summer of 1984 The Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis hosted soccer games as part of the XXIII Olympiad

During September 18–19, 2003, Hurricane Isabel created the largest storm surge known in Annapolis's history, cresting at 7.58 feet (2.31 m). Much of downtown Annapolis was flooded and many businesses and homes in outlying areas were damaged.^[7] The previous record was 6.35 feet (1.94 m) during a hurricane in 1933, and 5.5 feet (1.68 m) during Hurricane Hazel in 1954.

Currently facing the many difficult challenges of American cities today, Annapolis is undergoing rapid low-density development along its edges, ever-increasing traffic congestion, as well as ecological destruction of the very bay that it depends upon. The 1998 Comprehensive Plan will soon be replaced with a new document, containing initiatives and directives of the city government on development and infrastructure. This process was mandated by Maryland state law in the Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning Act of 1992. Annapolis Charter 300 and EnVISIONing Annapolis are co-sponsoring a public lecture series from September 2007 through June 2008 exploring these issues.

From mid-2007 through December 2008 the city will celebrate the 300th Anniversary of its 1708 Royal Charter, which established democratic self-governance. The many cultural events of this celebration will be organized by Annapolis Charter 300 and will include historical symposia at St. John's College and evening events such as the Queen Anne's Ball.

Facilities and Attractions

The State House

The Maryland State House is the oldest in continuous legislative use in the United States. Construction started in 1772, and the Maryland legislature first met there in 1779. It is topped by the largest wooden dome built without nails in the country.^[8][9] The Maryland State House housed the workings of the government from November 26, 1783 to August 13, 1784, and the Treaty of Paris was ratified there on January 14, 1784, so Annapolis became the first peacetime capital of the US.

It was in the Maryland State House that George Washington famously resigned his commission before the Continental Congress on December 23, 1783.

According to some, George Washington, who had argued vigorously for Annapolis to become the permanent home to the United States Capitol, had a strong attachment to the Maryland State House and instructed Pierre L'Enfant to model the dome of the Capitol building in Washington DC after it.^{[citation needed]} However, as noted in the United States Capitol topic, that building was not designed by Pierre L'Enfant, and no mention of this claim is found in a comprehensive history.^[10]

United States Naval Academy

US Naval Academy, Bancroft Hall (ca. 1908)

The United States Naval Academy was founded in 1845 on the site of Fort Severn, and now occupies an area of land reclaimed from the Severn River next to the Chesapeake Bay.

Theatre

Annapolis has a thriving community theatre scene which includes two venues in the historic district. On East St. is Colonial Players, a company that produces approximately six shows a year on its small theatre-in-the-round stage. From 1981 through 2008, Colonial Players produced a musical version of A Christmas Carol, which they commissioned. Feeling that the production had become stale, the holiday show was replaced with another play in 2009. Public reaction was unfavourable, and A Christmas Carol will return in December of 2010. During the warmer months, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre presents three shows on its stage, which is visible from the City Dock. All shows put on by King Williams Players, the student theatre group at St. John's College, are free and open to the public. Annapolis is also host to The Bay Theater Company, a non-profit professional drama group. The Naval Academy Masqueraders put on several productions annually in Mahan Hall.

Museums, Historical Sites, and Monuments

The Banneker-Douglass Museum, located in the historic Mount Moriah Church at 87 Franklin Street, documents the history of African Americans in Maryland. The museum offers free admission, educational programs, rotating exhibits, and a research facility.

Hammond-Harwood House originally belonged to Matthias Hammond, and has now been restored. Tours are now offered.

The Kunta Kinte- Alex Haley memorial is located in downtown Annapolis, on the harbor. It commemorates the place of arrival of Alex Haley's African ancestor, Kunta Kinte. The story of Kunta Kinte is related in Haley's book Roots.

A number of structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.^[11]

Other

The Annapolis area was the home of a VLF-transmitter called NSS Annapolis,that was used by the United States Navy to communicate with its Atlantic submarine fleet. Annapolis often serves as the end point for the 3,000 mile annual transcontinental Race Across America bicycle race.

Middle East Peace Conference

As announced by United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Annapolis was the venue for a Middle East summit, with the participation of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ("Abu Mazen") and various other leaders from the region. The conference was held on Monday, November 26, 2007.

Geography

Annapolis is located at 38°58′23″N 76°30′04″W / 38.972945°N 76.501157°W / 38.972945; -76.501157^[12], 28 miles (45 km) east of Washington DC, and is the closest state capital to the national capital, Washington, DC.

The city is a part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and is relatively flat, with the highest point being only 50 feet (15 m) above sea level.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.6 square miles (19.7 km²), of which, 6.7 square miles (17.4 km²) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km²) (11.70%) is water.

Climate

Annapolis lies within the humid subtropical climate zone, with hot summers and cool winters. Low elevation and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay give the area more moderate temperatures, with warmer winter temperatures and cooler summer temperatures than locations further inland, such as Washington, DC.

Demographics

Main Street in downtown Annapolis

As of the census^[14] of 2000, there were 35,838 people, 15,303 households, and 8,676 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,326.0 people per square mile (2,056.0/km²). There were 16,165 housing units at an average density of 2,402.3/sq mi (927.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 62.66% White, 31.44% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.81% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.22% from other races, and 1.67% from two or more races. 8.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The Hispanic population of Annapolis however has continued to grow in recent years and will encompass significantly more of Annapolis' population percentage by the next census reading.

There were 15,303 households out of which 24.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.6% were married couples living together, 16.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.3% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city the population was spread out with 21.7% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.8 males age 18 and over.

The median income for a household in the city was $49,243, and the median income for a family was $56,984 (these figures had risen to $70,140 and $84,573 respectively as of a 2007 estimate^[15]). Males had a median income of $39,548 versus $30,741 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,180. About 9.5% of families and 12.7% of the population were living in poverty, of which 20.8% were under age 18 and 10.4% were age 65 or over.

Transportation

Bus

The Annapolis Department of Transportation (ADOT) provides bus service with eight routes, collectively branded Annapolis Transit. The system serves the city with recreational areas, shopping centers, educational and medical facilities, and employment hubs. ADOT also offers transportation for elderly and persons with disabilities.^[16] Several Maryland Transit Administration commuter buses also allow for access to Baltimore or Washington, DC.

Railway

Annapolis is the only capital city in America east of the Mississippi River without rail transport of any sort. From 1840 to 1968, Annapolis was connected to the outside world by the railroads. The Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Railroad (WB&A) operated two electrified interurban lines that brought passengers into the city from both the South and the North. The southern route ran down King George Street and Main Street, leading directly to the statehouse, while the northern route entered town via Glen Burnie. In 1935, the WB&A went bankrupt due to the effects of the Great Depression and suspended service along its southern route, while the newly created Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad (B&A) retained service on the northern route. Steam trains of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad also occasionally operated over the line to Annapolis, primarily for special Naval Academy movements. Passenger rail service on the B&A was eventually discontinued in 1950; freight service ceased in 1968 after the dilapidated trestle crossing the Severn River was condemned. The tracks were eventually dismantled in 1976.^[17]

The popular Baltimore & Annapolis Trail now occupies the former railway line between the Severn River and Glen Burnie. The equally popular Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail occupies the WB&A's southern route into Annapolis.

Government

City Government

Annapolis is governed via the mayor council system. The city council consists of eight members who are elected from single member wards. The mayor is elected directly in a citywide vote.

State government

The State Capitol is located in Annapolis. In addition several state agencies are headquartered in Annapolis. Executive departments include the Comptroller of the Treasury,Department of Budget and Management,^[18] the Department of Natural Resources,^[19] the Department of Information Technology,^[20] and the Department of Veterans Affairs.^[21] Independent agencies include the Maryland State Ethics Commission.^[22] The Maryland State Archives are located in Annapolis.^[23]

Education

Annapolis is served by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools system.

Founded in 1898, Annapolis High School has an internationally recognized IB International Program. Nearby Broadneck High School (founded in 1982) and Annapolis both have Advanced Placement Programs. St. Mary's High School and Elementary School are located in downtown Annapolis on Spa Creek. St. Anne's School of Annapolis, Eastport Elementary School, Aleph Bet Jewish Day School, Annapolis Area Christian School, St. Martins Lutheran School, Severn School, and Indian Creek School are also in the Annapolis area. The Key School, located on a converted farm in the neighborhood of Hillsmere, has also served Annapolis for over 50 years.

Publications

• The Capital Newspaper The news of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County
• What's Up? Annapolis (Website) A regional magazine that focuses on local events, dining and the Annapolis lifestyle.

Noted natives and residents

• John Henry Alexander (1812–1867), born in Annapolis, noted scientist, businessman, and author ^[24]
• John Beale Bordley (1727–1804), noted government official, farmer, and author^[24]
• James M. Cain, journalist and crime writer.^[25]
• Charles Carroll (1723–1783), Continental Congressman from Maryland^[24]
• Charles Carroll of Carrollton (1737-1832), United States Senator and signer of United States Declaration of Independence^[24]
• John Wilson Danenhower (1849-1887), Arctic explorer of the Jeannette expedition ^[26]
• John Beale Davidge (1768–1829), doctor associated with the development of several surgeries, author, co-founder of University of Maryland, and professor there^[24]
• Henry Winter Davis (1817–1865), United States Representative from Maryland ^[24]
• Daniel Dulany the Younger, (1722–1797), born in Annapolis, prominent Loyalist and one of the most powerful lawyers in America prior to the American Revolutionary War ^[24]
• Robert Duvall, actor, lived in downtown Annapolis ^[27]
• John Davidson Godman, (1794–1830), born in Annapolis, noted naturalist, anatomist, college professor and author.^[24]
• John Hall, (1729–1797), born in Annapolis, delegate to the Continental Congress from Maryland.^[24]
• Alexander Contee Hanson (1749–1806), born in Annapolis, noted jurist.^[24]
• Alexander Contee Hanson, (1786–1819), born in Annapolis, son of the above, United States Congressman and Senator from Maryland.^[24]
• Reverdy Johnson, (1796–1876), born in Annapolis, United States Senator from Maryland and Attorney General of the United States.^[24]
• Barbara Kingsolver, fiction writer^[28]
• James Booth Lockwood, (1852–1884), born in Annapolis, army officer and Arctic explorer, was the person who named Lockwood Island.^[24]
• Margaret Mercer, (1791–1846), born in Annapolis, noted author, educator, and member of the American Colonization Society.^[24]
• William Duhurst Merrick, (1818–1889), born in Annapolis, lawyer, professor at George Washington University, and United States Senator from Maryland.^[24]
• Debbie Meyer, Olympic swimmer.^[29]
• William Paca (October 30, 1740–October 23, 1799), was a signatory to the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of Maryland.^[30]
• Christian Siriano, fashion designer and winner of the fourth season of Project Runway^[31]
• Leo Strauss, (September 20, 1899–October 18, 1973), was a German-born Jewish political philosopher who specialized in the study of classical philosophy. Spent his last three years of life teaching at St. Johns in Annapolis.
• St. Clair Wright, (1910-1993) Preservationist and gardener.
• Mark Teixeira, (April 11, 1980-), professional baseball player for the New York Yankees.^[32]
• Travis Pastrana, (October 8, 1983-), professional motocross racer, freestyle motocross champion, rally car racing champion, star of MTV's The Nitro Circus.

Neighborhoods and suburbs

Sister cities

Annapolis is a sister city of these municipalities:^[33]

• Tallinn, Estonia
• Newport, Wales, United Kingdom
• Dumfries, Scotland, United Kingdom
• Wexford, Ireland
• Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Karlskrona, Sweden
• Redwood City, California, USA
• Niteroi, Brazil

See also

• WNAV
• Music of Annapolis
• WRNR-FM
• The Capital
• Maritime Republic of Eastport

References

Further reading

• See D. Ridgely, Annals of Annapolis from 1649 until the War of 1812 (Baltimore, 1841); S. A. Shafer, "Annapolis, Ye Ancient City," in L. P. Powell's Historic Towns of the Southern States (New York, 1900); W. Eddis, Letters from America (London, 1792); Eric L. Goldstein, Traders and Transports: The Jews of Colonial Maryland (Baltimore: Jewish Historical Society of Maryland, 1993).
• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.

External links

• Annapolis official website
• United States Naval Academy
• St.Johns College
• Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau
• Historic images of Annapolis
• Memorials, monuments & other outdoor art in & around Annapolis
• Inside Annapolis Magazine
• Annapolis.com
• Murray Hill Residents Association

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Municipalities and communities of Anne Arundel County, Maryland County seat: Annapolis City Annapolis Town Highland Beach CDPs Arden-on-the-Severn | Arnold | Brooklyn Park | Cape St. Claire | Crofton | Crownsville | Deale | Ferndale | Fort Meade | Glen Burnie | Green Haven | Herald Harbor | Hillsmere Shores | Jessup‡ | Lake Shore | Linthicum | Londontowne | Maryland City | Mayo | Naval Academy | Odenton | Parole | Pasadena | Pumphrey | Riva | Riviera Beach | Selby-on-the-Bay | Severn | Severna Park | Shady Side | South Gate Other communities Annapolis Junction | Arundel on the Bay | Beverly Beach | Bristol | Churchton | Davidsonville | Fairhaven | Fairview | Friendship | Gambrills | Galesville | Germantown | Gibson Island | Hanover | Harmans | Harundale | Harwood | Iglehart | Jacobsville | Jennings | Lothian | Millersville | Orchard Beach | Owensville | Riverdale | Rose Haven | Russett | Sherwood Forest | Skidmore | South River | Sudley | Tall Timbers | Tracys Landing | West River | Winchester-on-the-Severn | Woodland Beach | Woodwardville Footnotes ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

From Wikitravel

Maryland State House

Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, a state in the United States of America.

Understand

Annapolis has a thriving historic district with shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Most of the buildings are original 17th, 18th and 19th century, with brick lined streets. Tourism from the surrounding Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metro area is a major part of the town's life, as is a thriving boat business. One could easily spend a day walking around the town's downtown harbor area shopping and eating. There is also a lively nighttime scene.

• Many major air carriers fly to BWI Airport, in Linthicum, Maryland, only a 30 minute drive from Downtown Annapolis.

• MTA Maryland, [1]. MTA Maryland operates rush-hour commuter bus service (routes 922 [2] and 950 [3]) to Annapolis from Washington, D.C.; this service travels from Annapolis in the morning and to Annapolis in the afternoon and evening. They also operate local bus service (route 14 [4]) to Annapolis from the Patapsco light rail station in Baltimore; this service operates all day.  edit
• Annapolis Transit, [5]. Annapolis Transit operates local bus service into town from BWI Airport on Route C-60 [6]; service on this lines operates once every two hours from 7AM to 5PM  edit

• From Baltimore, take I-97 south then go east on Hwy 50.
• From Washington, D.C., take Hwy 50 East.

Get around

The most economic way of enjoying Annapolis would be getting around on foot. There are plenty of parking spaces available during less crowded times, such as during the winter months and weekdays after work hours. They are easy to find by following either the parking signs to a parking garage or looking around the harbor area for metered spots which can be held for up to two hours. Bicycles are also an option to bring along, but generally wouldn't be needed for a day of sightseeing in the harbor area.

Tourist maps are available at many downtown establishments, usually highlighting map sponsors as places to visit, but also including most places of interest as a not-to-scale reference. Any local Annapolitan would be more than happy to give short directions, or even a tip on where to eat.

During the busier times, a parking place will be a bit harder to find, but patience is usually rewarded. If needing extended transport, a bus line does traverse Annapolis at various locations. Weekend nights, you will also find more than enough taxis available at the base of Main Street.

• The city recently put up a memorial at the waterfront marking the spot where Kunta Kinte the African from the book/movie "Roots" arrived aboard a slave ship.
• The United States Naval Academy is located here and has tours available.
• The Maryland State House was the capitol of the United States from November 26, 1783 to August 13, 1784. In that State House, oldest in the nation still in legislative use, General George Washington resigned his commission before the Continental Congress. There, on January 14, 1784, Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris to end the Revolutionary War. From there, the Annapolis convention issued the call to the states that led to the Constitutional Convention.
• Sandy Point State Park [7] is 19 km (12 mi) from central Annapolis. Activities include swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating and windsurfing. The park's beaches and picnic areas provide views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Admission per person starts at $4.
• Hammond-Harwood House is one of a series of historical homes open for tours. See colonial-era architecture and 17th century period furnishings.
• William Paca House is one of the most interesting historical home tours due to its fabulously restored gardens.

• Annapolis is the sailing capital of the United States (there's a sign saying so right before the Eastport Bridge), so you must go sailing while in Annapolis. The easiest way is to take a 2 hour cruise aboard the Schooner Woodwind which departs a few times daily from the dock at the Marriott Hotel. You can raise the sails, take the helm, watch for crab pots, see the sunset and experience Annapolis from the water. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available. Feel free to bring your lunch. And bring a camera, a good hat and soft-soled shoes.
• Another great thing to do is go to Sandy Point State Park and look at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It provides spectacular views and also a view of an old lighthouse in the middle of the Chesapeake.

• Lacrosse- Annapolis is generally considered to be the Lacrosse capital of the U.S., with marquee matchups between high school powers St. Mary's and Severn taking place in the spring at the United States Naval Academy. Numerous nationally recognized junior and club teams also play throughout the year.

• Scenic Drives- Although Marylanders love the Chesapeake Bay, the majority of waterfront property is privately owned. As a result, very few scenic drives exist in Annapolis. The closest thing to an open drive is through Bay Ridge at the end of Forest Drive.

• Navy Football- Although largely dormant since Roger Staubach's days, Navy football has enjoyed a Renaissance under Paul Johnson, and current coach Ken Niumatalolo. Still, even in a good season, the middies and their chants can be more entertaining than the onfield activities. Although stadium seating is often available, families with kids are known to prefer the North endzone, which is a grassy hill. The list of battles in which USNA alumni participated is always impressive, and leaves a strong impression. Be sure to be inside the stadium for marchon and for the weather permitting flyovers.

Buy

There are many, many shops catering to all tastes in historic downtown Annapolis and it is very easy to just take a stroll and look around at what there is to see.

• Cantler's Riverside Inn, [8]. One of the best seafood restaurants in the area. About 15 minutes outside of town nestled on the backwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. You can arrive by boat or car. Cantler's is an authentic Maryland Family Style seafood restaurant where you sit at park benches and eat shoulder to shoulder with everyone. Steamed crabs are a favorite but so are lots of local, freshly-caught seafood choices. Cantler's is an Annapolis family-run institution.

• Yin Yankee Cafe, [9]. A decent Asian/American fusion cafe right in the heart of downtown Annapolis at the foot of Main Street. Traditional and nouveau sushi are both excellent. Excellent vegetarian/vegan cuisine available here. A tourist spot where it is nice to sit outside, or admire the fish tanks and amazing fish displays on the inside. Also has a solid menu for with somewhat more traditional fare. The fish and chicken sandwich both are excellent.

• Joss. The "in the know" sushi spot in Annapolis. Small, generally crowded and no reservations available. Located towards the top of Main Street on the left.

• O'Leary's Seafood in Eastport is by far the best seafood restaurant in the area. It is consistently ranked as one of the Washington, DC area's top 100 restaurants.

• Pusser's is right on the water, and a great place to get a couple of drinks on the harbour. Pusser's is also a prime spot to watch fireworks on 4th of July and New Year's Eve.

• Harry Browne's- The place for Annapolis insiders on State Circle. Often frequented by visiting politicians, a tourist shouldn't let the minor celebritology stand in the way of what is Annapolis's finest restaurant. The bar upstairs is known for excellent martinis, and often gets very crowded around 11pm. Perhaps the best place for cigars until the cigar ban goes into effect.

• Heroes Pub- (Off of Ridgely Road) by St. John Neummann Church. A roast beef and brie are ideal before a big NFL or Terrapin game. THE place for local Terps fans to watch Terps and Duke basketball. Heroes also sponsors a very competitive Sunday Lacrosse league frequented by college recruiters.
• Chick N' Ruth's. Located on main street, it is a family owned business which has been around for years. Breakfast all day, meals named after senators, magic shows in the mornings. There are pictures of everyone who has eaten there, from celebrities to presidents.  edit
• Punk's Backyard Grill, 2188 Annapolis Mall, ☎ 410-571-7744, [10]. A backyard cookout restaurant at the mall where everything is made from scratch. Quickly becoming an Annapolis favorite.  edit

Drink

Along with a lively night scene, there comes a number of great bars. During the day most of these play the role of family restaurant very well and serve outstanding authentic Maryland food and then turn up the volume when the sun goes down. It can be a bit odd to travelers having lunch at a great restaurant that happens to serve some drinks and hoping to be back for dinner, only to find a packed bar that happens to serve some food.

There are far too many to name, even in a small downtown such as Annapolis, but one unique specialty can be found at Lujan's Pub. Situated on the water front it caters to mostly Naval Academy Midshipmen but finds its fan base with the tourist. Ask for the Crab Cod. A delicious mix of crab juice with rum and cherry flavors. Other main street establishments can lead to an interesting interaction between the very rich and the Middies.

The Mexican Cafe on the south side of town remains very popular for those visiting PAL Park.

• Severn Inn, 1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, ☎ 410-349-4000. Best view in Annapolis, overlooking Severn River and U.S. Naval Academy. Great modern American Food. Wonderful wine list  edit

• Annapolis Marriott, ☎ 888-773-0786, [11]. The only accommodation located directly on the waterfront, in downtown Annapolis.  edit
• Historic Inns of Annapolis, 58 State Circle, ☎ (410) 263-2641, Toll-free:1-800-847-8882, [12]. The Historic Inns of Annapolis in Maryland, with a historical restaurant, tavern, and rooms; this hotel is unforgettable.  edit
• The Inn at Spa Creek, 417 Severn Avenue, ☎ 410-263-8866, [13]. Light, bright, contemporary B & B in the maritime section of Annapolis, within walking distance of all historic attractions.  edit
• Loews Hotel Annapolis, 126 West Street, ☎ 410-263-7777, [14].  edit
• Marriott Courtyard Annapolis, 2559 Riva Road, [15]. A bit outside downtown Annapolis.  edit
• Residence Inn by Marriott Annapolis, 170 Admiral Cochrane Drive, ☎ 410-573-0300, [16]. Outside downtown Annapolis, but near shopping centers.  edit
• SpringHill Suites Annapolis, ☎ 1-888-663-0094, [17]. Conveniently located near Route 50.  edit
• The Westin Annapolis, 100 Westgate Circle, ☎ 1-410-972-4300 (mwise@westinannapolis.com, fax: 410-295-7420), [18]. checkin: 3pm; checkout: Noon. Newly opened in July 2007.  edit
• Sheraton Annapolis, 173 Jennifer Road, ☎ 1 410 266-3131 (fax: 1 410 266-6247), [19]. Pet friendly hotel located near Annapolis Mall and Anne Arundel Medical Center.  edit

Stay Safe

Annapolis is one of the safest cities in Maryland. The normal precautions apply, but downtown is pretty much safe at all times.

• The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is close, and when it was built it was the largest bridge of its type in the world. The western end is at Sandy Point State Park which has great views of the bridge and Bay and ships passing on the way to Baltimore. From here you can see the Baltimore Lighthouse which for a brief time in the 1960s was the worlds first and only nuclear powered lighthouse (it is solar powered at this time). Kite flying, beach walking, swimming, summer concerts, boat launches, etc.. are all here. At the other end of the bridge is Kent Island, another historic place, known for its seafood and popular new bike trails.

From LoveToKnow 1911

There is more than one meaning of Annapolis discussed in the 1911 Encyclopedia. We are planning to let all links go to the correct meaning directly, but for now you will have to search it out from the list below by yourself. If you want to change the link that led you here yourself, it would be appreciated.

• Annapolis, Canada
• Annapolis, Maryland

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

English

Wikipedia has an article on:

Annapolis

Wikipedia

Proper noun

Annapolis

1. The capital of the state of Maryland