Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis is a city in Maryland.

It sits by a big bay. A river flows into the water there.

The city is a very old place. It was once the capital of the United States.

Many boats sail in the water. People used to build boats there. Now, many people use boats for fun.

It is a special place to visit.

Annapolis is the capital city of Maryland.

It sits on the Chesapeake Bay. The Severn River flows into the bay right at the city. It is near Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

This city has a very long history. It was the capital of the United States for a short time. This happened from 1783 to 1784. During this time, George Washington came to the Maryland State House. He resigned as the leader of the army there. The Treaty of Paris was also signed in this city. This treaty ended the American Revolutionary War.

Today, many people live in Annapolis. The 2020 census said 40,812 people live there. You can see many boats in the water. People used to build boats and pack oysters here. Now, people mostly use boats for fun. The U.S. Naval Academy is also near the city. It is a school for sailors.

The city flag shows a crown, a thistle, and a rose. It was named after Queen Anne of Great Britain.

Annapolis is the capital city of the state of Maryland.

It sits right on the Chesapeake Bay. The Severn River flows into the bay at the city. You can find it south of Baltimore. It is also east of Washington, D.C. The city is part of a large area called the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area.

Many people live in this busy place. The 2020 census said 40,812 people lived there. This was a 6.3% increase from 2010. Today, the city is known for many things. You might see many boats in the harbor.

This city has a very important past. It served as the capital of the United States for a short time. This happened from 1783 to 1784. During this period, the Confederation Congress met here. The Maryland State House was the place where they worked. It is the oldest building in use for laws in the country.

This house has a huge wooden dome. No nails were used to build it. In 1783, General George Washington came here. He resigned as the leader of the Continental Army. The Treaty of Paris was also approved here in 1784. This treaty ended the American Revolutionary War.

Long ago, the city started as a small settlement. In 1649, people called it Providence. They lived on the north shore of the Severn River. Later, they moved to a better harbor on the south shore. This place was called "Town at the Severn." In 1694, the town was renamed Annapolis. It was named after Princess Anne of Denmark. She later became Queen Anne of Great Britain.

The city became an official city in 1708. It grew quickly during the 1700s. It was a major center for trade and politics. People also used the city for the Atlantic slave trade.

Work in the city has changed over many years. In the past, people did many water trades. They packed oysters and built many boats. They also made sails for ships. Later, the city's trade slowed down. This happened after Baltimore became a major port in 1780. Now, many people use boats for fun instead of work.

The city is also home to important schools. St. John's College was founded in 1696. The U.S. Naval Academy was started in 1845. The academy is right next to the city. About 4,500 students study there to become sailors.

Annapolis is still a place where important things happen. In 2007, leaders met there for a peace conference. This meeting dealt with the Middle East.

The city also faces challenges from nature. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel caused a huge storm surge. It flooded much of the downtown area. The city also deals with high tides that flood the streets.

Even with these changes, the city remains a special place. It connects its deep history to the modern world. It is a place where the past and present live together.

Annapolis is the capital city of the state of Maryland.

It is the county seat for Anne Arundel County. The city is located on the Chesapeake Bay. It sits right at the mouth of the Severn River. You will find it south of Baltimore. It is also east of Washington, D.C. Because of this location, it is part of the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area.

The city has a growing population. In 2020, the census recorded 40,812 people living there. This was a 6.3% increase from the 2010 census. The city's history is deeply tied to the birth of the United States. From November 1783 to August 1784, Annapolis served as the temporary national capital. During this time, the Confederation Congress met in the Maryland State House. This building is the oldest in continuous legislative use in the country. It features a massive wooden dome built entirely without nails.

Significant historical events occurred within these city limits. In December 1783, General George Washington came to the State House. He resigned his commission as the commander of the Continental Army. One month later, the Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris of 1783. This treaty ended the American Revolutionary War. It also saw Great Britain recognize the independence of the United States. In 1786, the Annapolis Convention took place here. Delegates from five states met to discuss regulating commerce. This meeting led to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia the following year.

The origins of the city began in 1649. A settlement called "Providence" was founded on the north shore of the Severn River. It was started by Puritan exiles led by William Stone. These settlers eventually moved to a more protected harbor on the south shore. The location was known as "Town at the Severn" for many years. In 1694, the town was renamed Annapolis. It was named for Princess Anne of Denmark and Norway. She would later become Queen Anne of Great Britain.

Annapolis grew into a major political and administrative center during the 18th century. It served as a port of entry for various trades. The city was also a center for the Atlantic slave trade. Local industries focused on water-based trades. People worked in oyster-packing, boatbuilding, and sailmaking. However, commerce declined after 1780. This happened because Baltimore became a major port with a deeper harbor. Today, the seafood industry has mostly been replaced by recreational boating.

The city is home to several important institutions. St. John's College was founded in 1696. The U.S. Naval Academy was established in 1845. The Academy is located on land reclaimed from the Severn River. It is adjacent to the city limits. About 4,500 midshipmen are enrolled there on average. These students commit to serving in the Navy or Marine Corps.

Modern Annapolis continues to host global events. In 2007, the city hosted the Annapolis Peace Conference. This Middle East summit was held at the U.S. Naval Academy. Leaders discussed the Israeli–Palestinian peace process. The city also faces environmental challenges. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel caused a record storm surge. This flooded much of the downtown area. The city also experiences "sunny day" flooding during high tides.

Nature sometimes brings sudden change to the region. In September 2021, an EF-2 tornado struck the western edge of the city. This occurred during the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The tornado produced winds of 111 to 135 miles per hour. It caused significant damage to homes and businesses near Maryland Route 450. Despite these challenges, the city remains a vital hub. It connects its colonial past to its role in modern maritime and political life.