Discover the beauty, history, and architecture of colonial Annapolis!
Take a pleasant and easy walking tour through the beautiful historic center of Annapolis. This is the colonial heart of the city, with grand buildings on narrow, brick streets and the picturesque city dock and harbor. The Georgian architecture of the great mansions, the iconic Maryland State House, and more provide the stage for fascinating stories about this town: a city small in size, but big in impact.
We'll walk along the city dock to view the harbor, and Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis' gateway to the wider world. We'll explore the sites where the Treaty of Paris was signed (bringing to a conclusion the Revolutionary War) and where General Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief, thus becoming the "greatest man in the world" and the "American Cincinnatus." We'll visit the campuses of two institutes of higher learning that have shaped American culture: the United States Naval Academy and St. John's College.
I'll also share personal and family stories along the way, to add a personal dimension to our tour. I welcome special interests and questions along the way!
Sample Itinerary
– City Dock & Ego Alley
– Maryland State House (begun in 1772)
– The U.S. Naval Academy (founded in 1845):
* Tecumseh Court, site of the Brigade Formation
* Naval Academy Chapel, "Cathedral of the Navy" (1908)
* Crypt of John Paul Jones, Father of the American Navy
* Bancroft Hall, largest college dormitory in the world (1908)
– St. John's College (1696)
* Memorial to deceased alumni in WWI
* McDowell Hall, former Governor's Mansion (1742)
– Georgian colonial-style Paca House (1765)
– St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Church Circle (1704)
– The Home of Charles Carroll of Carrollton (1790's)
– St. Mary's Catholic Church (1860)
Details
Duration:
Two hours.
Meeting Point:
Annapolis Market House (25 Market Place).
Requirements:
– You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) to enter the Naval Academy grounds. Children may enter with their parents, without ID.
– Purses are allowed on the grounds, but backpacks and other large bags are not.
(– Note that admission to the Maryland State House and Naval Academy is free.)
Activity Level:
Light / easy. We will walk at an easy-going pace, with several opportunities to sit and rest.
Children–Friendly:
Yes, children are welcome and will find much to enjoy on this tour!
Handicap–Friendly:
Yes, this tour can be made accessible to those with mobility limitations! Please indicate your party's particular needs in your Booking Inquiry.
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