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Chart Your Course for Annapolis, Maryland

By Carol Reed

Annapolis is the capital of the state of Maryland and for nine months it was actually the capital of the United States. General George Washington resigned as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army here and the Treaty of Paris was ratified here, ending the Revolutionary War.

Today, Annapolis is often referred to as the “sailing capital” of the United States. A large number of sailing vessels call Annapolis home port, and the U S Naval Academy is located just two blocks from the town dock. There are thrilling sail-races on the Chesapeake, boat tours and a magnificent parade of artistically lighted watercraft at Christmas time.

The downtown region is compact and easy to see on foot. It offers a stimulating choice of Chesapeake waterfront dining and shopping in an historical setting. Many of the local pubs proffer succulent Maryland crab dishes and feature music from modern to jazz. Visitors can enjoy art galleries, theatre, museums, walking or water-tours.

Begin your tour at the City Dock, where public parking is available at metered sites. This Colonial port was once surrounded by warehouses, a ship carpenters, and taverns. Today, stroll around “ego alley,” a protected harbor where luxurious, visiting watercrafts arrive to show off. Shops, eateries and a hotel flank the present site, along with a waterfront park, the headquarters of the Harbor-Master, and a Visitor’s Information Booth with restrooms. The “Kunta Kinte” Plaque is located at the head of City Dock. It commemorates the arrival in 1767 of the African slave made famous by Alex Haley’s Roots.

The Maritime Museum, a restored 18th century warehouse used during the Revolutionary War to store supplies for the Continental Army and Navy, depicts “Maritime Annapolis 1751-1791.” It includes a large diorama of the waterfront area. Visitors may begin a “Historic Annapolis Walk with Walter Cronkite” here. (410)-268-5576

At 84 Franklin Street, experience the Banneker-Douglass Museum of African-American Arts and Culture. There are changing exhibits, lectures, films and publications. It is open Tuesday through Friday 10 AM - 3 PM, Saturday noon - 4 PM. (410)-974-2893. Also tour the State House, Maryland’s capitol building, dating from 1772. It is the oldest State House in the country in continuous legislative use and the site of Washington’s resignation as commander-in-chief and ratification of the Treaty of Paris. The building served as Capital of the United States from 1783 to 1784. It is open 9 AM - 5 PM, with tours at 11 AM & 3 PM. It is located at State Circle. (410) 974 3400

More information on tours can be found at http://www.covesoft.com/annapolis/index.html.

Also, learn fascinating military and American history with a visit to the US Naval Academy, which is just a short walk from the city docks. It was founded in 1845 on a site between the Severn River and Annapolis. It is Maryland’s leading tourist attraction.

“The Yard,” as the Academy campus is called, features tree-lined walks, classic architecture, and views of the Chesapeake Bay. Young “Middies” handsomely uniformed men and women, students of the Academy, are always present.

Some areas are private and off-limits to visitors and security is tight since 9-11. But you may visit the Officers’ Club, chapel, and seven other sites. The non-denominational chapel seats 2,500 people and features Tiffany glass windows. From the ceiling hangs a replica of a 15th century sailing ship. John Paul Jones rests in the chapel, in a marble crypt.

A photo I.D. is required to enter the grounds for anyone 16 or over, and parking for civilians is available outside the Academy gates, on the street. Tours are available. Call 401-263-6933 or visit www.usna.edu for more details.

Annapolis is located off of Route 50 in Maryland, and can be explored in one day or over a pleasant weekend. The town becomes crowded in warmer weather and during special boating and Middy events, so it is wise to do some research before you go. Smooth sailing!

Carol Reed is a middle school teacher and freelance journalist who specializes in travel writing. Carol’s journeys have taken her as close to home as the New Jersey Pines and as far as the islands in the Caribbean, New Zealand and Australia.