From its earliest days as a colonial capital city, Annapolis was known as the "Athens of America." For here one could find a wealth of cultural activities, a glittering social season, gracious hospitality and intellectual stimulation. The small seaport brought visitors from around the world who shared the news of the day while enjoying the ambiance and exquisite tidewater cuisine of the local pubs.
You will find the same atmosphere today, drawing more than 4 millions people a year to its shores. Annapolis has been welcoming visitors for more than 300 years, but it remains a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

Sir Francis designed a city worthy of a Queen. Instead of using a customary grid, he constructed a baroque plan similar to the magnificent capitals of Europe. He drew circles with radiating streets to create focal points and give importance to certain structures. In one circle is St Anne's, the Episcopal Church, regarded as the spiritual center of the city. As the Church of England, taxpayers originally supported it.

In the other circle, rising over the harbor, is the State House, the seat of government. This urban design was admired by frequent visitor George Washington, who later had Pierre L'Enfant incorporate it into the nation's capital.

A thriving shipping industry brought great wealth to Annapolis, reflected quality of life. Prosperous merchants and "planters" sought to duplicate the amenities of their homeland in the colonies, and built mansions that would rival any in England. These homes, which entertained many of our Founding Fathers, had ballrooms and formal gardens where lavish social functions occurred.

Today, Annapolis has more of these original 18th century structures standing than any other city in the United States. Many are open to the public, where, their beauty and architectural style is a major attraction. Historic Annapolis Foundation operates the William Paca house as a museum, and also has a wealth of information about many of the other historical treasures.

The arts abounded in colonial Annapolis, as performers, skilled artisans, and artists practiced their trades here. The Peale family, noted portraitists, found many prominent and wealthy patrons here. John Shaw, a cabinetmaker, designed quality furniture and was responsible for much of the construction of The Maryland State House, the oldest such capital building in continuous use in the United States. Annapolis also featured the first theater in the new world.

Annapolis has a number of other theaters and performing arts companies. You can enjoy concerts and quality performances throughout the year in a number of venues throughout our city.

For many, Annapolis is synonymous with the United States Naval Academy. However, this world famous institution isn't even the oldest college in town. That distinction belongs to St. John's College, founded in 1696 as King William's School. It is the third oldest college in the United States (after Harvard and William and Mary). Its liberal arts curriculum is based upon study of the Great Books. Every spring, the two schools engage in a spirited game of croquet on the front lawn of St.John's campus.

Government has always played a major part in the ongoing operations of Annapolis. The same State House where George Washington tendered his resignation as General of the Continental Army following the Revolutionary War is still charged with energy during the three months every year the Maryland General Assembly meets in its chambers. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor have their offices there, and it is used for a number of state functions throughout the year.