Explore Maryland's historic capital, home to the U.S. Naval Academy, colonial architecture, and Chesapeake Bay waterfront charm
40,812
Population (2020)
1694
Year Established as Capital
25 miles
South of Baltimore
60+
Pre-Revolutionary Houses
Overview
Annapolis is the capital of Maryland and the county seat of Anne Arundel County, situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River. With a population of 40,812, the city stands as one of America's most historically significant urban centers. Located 25 miles south of Baltimore and 30 miles east of Washington, D.C., Annapolis serves as home to the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy and remains a living museum of American colonial history.
The city earned the nickname "Museum Without Walls" for its remarkable concentration of 18th-century brick buildings—more than any other town of comparable size in the nation. Annapolis continues to blend its rich colonial heritage with modern vibrancy, making it a premier destination for history enthusiasts, sailors, and cultural explorers.
History
Colonial Founding: The settlement began in 1649 when Puritan exiles from Virginia established "Providence" on the north shore of the Severn River. The community later relocated to a better-protected harbor and was known as "Anne Arundel's Towne" before 1694.
Capital Designation: In 1694, Royal Governor Francis Nicholson moved Maryland's capital from St. Mary's City to Anne Arundel's Towne and renamed it "Annapolis" after Princess Anne of Denmark and Norway. In 1708, Queen Anne chartered Annapolis as the first municipality in the colonies under her name. Governor Nicholson designed the city using baroque street planning with radiating circles—a technique mimicking magnificent European capitals—rather than a standard grid pattern.
Signers of the Declaration: The Colonial Annapolis Historic District contains the homes of three signers of the Declaration of Independence: William Paca, Samuel Chase, and Charles Carroll. The district also features the Maryland State House (1772-1779), the oldest state capitol still in legislative use today.
U.S. Capital (1783-1784): Annapolis served as the temporary capital of the United States from November 26, 1783, to August 19, 1784. On December 23, 1783, General George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army before Congress, and the Confederation Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary War. The city also hosted the 1786 Annapolis Convention, which called for the Constitutional Convention.
Government & Institutions
State Capital Functions: As Maryland's state capital, Annapolis houses the Maryland General Assembly and the Governor's Office. The historic Maryland State House remains the seat of state government and is open to visitors for tours.
U.S. Naval Academy: Established in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy educates midshipmen for service as officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The Academy sits majestically along the Severn River at the heart of downtown Annapolis and represents the city's strong connection to maritime and military traditions. The Naval Academy Museum houses exhibits celebrating naval history and traditions.
St. John's College: Founded in 1696 as King William's School, St. John's College stands as one of the nation's oldest institutions of higher education. Known for its "Great Books" curriculum emphasizing classics, St. John's maintains its Annapolis campus alongside a satellite campus in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Demographics & Economy
Population Statistics (2023)
Population: 40,744
Median Age: 40.9 years
Gender Distribution: 47.8% male, 52.2% female
International Born: 10.8% (4,410 residents)
Racial & Ethnic Composition
White (Non-Hispanic): 56.9%
Black/African American: 18.5%
Hispanic/Latino: 14.41%
Two or More Races: 2.99%
Other Ethnicities: 7.21%
Education Levels
Bachelor's Degree: 27.6%
Master's or Doctorate: 23.3%
College Studies: 18.1%
High School Completion: 21.1%
Associate Degree: 4.8%
Income & Employment
Average Household Income: $146,474
Median Household Income: $104,257
Employed Population: 21,500
Professional/Administrative: 86.5%
Unemployment Rate: 4%
Business Environment: According to 2023 Census data, Annapolis has 3,879 business establishments employing approximately 54,900 people with an annual payroll of $3.75 billion. The largest employment sectors include Professional/Scientific/Technical Services (2,866 employees), Educational Services (2,383 employees), and Health Care & Social Assistance. About 13.3% of workers operate their own businesses, 58.7% work for private companies, and 18.6% are employed in the public sector.
Attractions & Cultural Sites
Historic Landmarks
Maryland State House (1772-1779): The oldest state capitol still in legislative use in the nation. This is where George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief and Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War.
William Paca House and Garden: A five-part Georgian mansion that was the home of William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Maryland's third Governor.
Charles Carroll House: Historic home of one of Maryland's Declaration signers.
Samuel Chase House: Residence of the third signer of the Declaration among Annapolis residents.
Museums
Museum of Historic Annapolis: Located at 99 Main Street featuring three floors of exhibitions covering the city's rich heritage. Admission: $7 (ages 8+), free for children 7 and under.
U.S. Naval Academy Museum: Displays naval artifacts, model ships, and midshipman memorabilia within the prestigious academy campus.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: Educates visitors about the region's maritime heritage and Chesapeake Bay ecology through exhibits and community events.
Banneker-Douglass Museum: Explores African American history and contributions to Maryland and the nation.
Waterfront & Outdoor Activities
Ego Alley: The famous inner harbor where sailboats and luxury yachts navigate—a quintessential Annapolis experience.
City Dock: The downtown waterfront hub featuring restaurants, shops, galleries, and harbor views.
Sailing Tours & Lessons: Schooner Woodwind offers authentic sailing experiences, while the Annapolis Sailing School and Annapolis School of Seamanship provide instruction for all skill levels.
Water Activities: Paddle boarding, kayaking, and small watercraft rentals available through Capital SUP and Annapolis Canoe and Kayak.
Harbor Cruises: Watermark offers Chesapeake Bay cruises, yacht charters, and historical walking tours with colonial-attired guides.
Performing Arts & Entertainment
Colonial Players: Historic theater company presenting classic and contemporary productions.
Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre: Outdoor theater performances during warm months.
Rams Head Tavern & Rams Head On Stage: Historic 1700s building combining live entertainment, pub fare, and a venue attracting national acts.
Dining & Culinary Scene
Annapolis is renowned as one of the region's premier dining destinations, particularly for fresh Chesapeake seafood and international cuisine. Downtown features an excellent mix of casual and fine dining establishments.
Signature Restaurants
Carrol's Creek Café: Panoramic water views with classic Chesapeake cuisine including lump crab cakes, pan-seared scallops, and steaks overlooking Spa Creek.
O'Brien's Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern: Offers fresh oysters, seafood, entertainment, and competitive pricing in a casual atmosphere.
Blackwall Hitch: Coastal-inspired dining with seasonal, locally sourced cuisine and vibrant live music.
Boatyard Bar & Grill: Nautical décor with favorites like crab cake sandwiches, fish tacos, and seasonal oysters.
Chart House Prime: Fine dining featuring fresh seafood and premium steaks.
Vin 909 Wine Café: Wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, and boutique wines in a converted bungalow with garden patio.
Preserve: Modern seasonal approach to Mid-Atlantic comfort food with pickled vegetables, handmade pastas, and imaginative vegetable dishes.
Casual Dining & Seafood
Rams Head Tavern - Historic pub with hearty fare and live music
Severn Inn - Traditional Maryland cuisine
Historic Inns restaurants - Various dining options throughout downtown
Special Events
"Dinner Under the Stars": From May to September, the first block of West Street hosts outdoor dining events on Wednesday and select Saturday evenings, featuring live music, dancing, and a relaxed family atmosphere.
Education & Institutions
Higher Education
United States Naval Academy: Federal military academy established 1845, educating officers for the Navy and Marine Corps. Features the stunning Naval Academy Chapel with the crypt of naval hero John Paul Jones.
St. John's College: Prestigious liberal arts college founded 1696, known for its "Great Books" curriculum emphasizing classic literature and philosophy. Maintains campuses in Annapolis and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Anne Arundel Community College: Community college serving the Annapolis region with associate degree programs.
Nearby Universities
Within reasonable proximity to Annapolis are numerous regional universities and colleges, including Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore), University of Maryland, Towson University, and other institutions providing advanced academic opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Annapolis earned this nickname because it contains more 18th-century brick buildings than any other town of comparable size in the United States. The Colonial Annapolis Historic District features over 60 pre-Revolutionary houses and structures, making the entire downtown area essentially an open-air museum of colonial architecture and history.
Annapolis served as the temporary capital of the United States from November 26, 1783, to August 19, 1784. During this period, General George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army before Congress, and the Confederation Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially concluding the Revolutionary War.
Yes, the U.S. Naval Academy is open to visitors. You can tour the Academy grounds, visit the Naval Academy Museum, see the stunning chapel with John Paul Jones' crypt, and experience the traditions of this prestigious military institution. Guided tours are available through various tour companies and the Academy itself.
Ego Alley is the inner harbor area of Annapolis where sailing yachts and luxury boats navigate, creating a quintessential Annapolis experience. The narrow waterway gets its nickname from the tradition of boaters showing off their vessels. It's one of the most picturesque and bustling sections of the downtown waterfront.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for exploring Annapolis. Summer brings warm temperatures perfect for waterfront activities, though it can be crowded during peak tourist season. "Dinner Under the Stars" events run May through September. Winter is quieter but many attractions remain open year-round.
Yes, Annapolis is highly walkable. The downtown historic district, including Main Street and the waterfront, can be easily explored on foot. The baroque street plan with radiating streets creates distinct focal points and makes navigation intuitive. Most major attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of the City Dock area.
Multiple sailing schools operate in Annapolis, including the Annapolis Sailing School, Annapolis School of Seamanship, and various other maritime instruction providers. You can also rent paddle boards, kayaks, and small watercraft from local outfitters like Capital SUP and Annapolis Canoe and Kayak, or take sailing tours aboard the Schooner Woodwind.
Royal Governor Francis Nicholson selected the location for its strategic position on the Chesapeake Bay at the Severn River mouth—an excellent natural harbor for commerce and defense. Nicholson designed Annapolis using a baroque street plan with radiating circles, similar to major European capitals, making it a carefully planned colonial city representing the prestige and power of provincial Maryland government.