Annapolis, Maryland

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 Today, the seafood industry has mostly been replaced by recreational boating.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.