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Annapolis History continued...
Originally, Annapolis was called “Providence.” The name comes from the Puritans that originally settled the city. Later, the city's name was changed to “Anne Arundel's Towne”, after the wife of Lord Baltimore, who owned the proprietary colony. Then, the Royal Governor, Sir Francis Nicholson, moved the capital of Maryland from St. Mary's City, to the small seaport that eventually became Annapolis, and the city received its current name. Sir Francis chose to honor Princess Anne, who was heir to the throne at the time. In 1708, as Queen, Anne chartered her colonial namesake as a city. Her royal badge, with a crown over the entwined thistle of Scotland and Tudor rose of England, can be seen on the Annapolis flag.
Annapolis is home to two of America's most well-known educational institutions. First of all, it is hard to mention the city of Annapolis without mentioning the United States Naval Academy. Founded in 1844, the original academy started out in an area of about nine acres. Today, the campus encompasses more than 300 acres. Since 1845, more than 60,000 young men and women have completed their “four years by the bay.” Although the U.S. Naval Academy is often synonymous with the city of Annapolis, it is not the oldest educational institution in the city. That honor belongs to St. John's College. It was founded in 1696 as King William's School. It is the third oldest college in the United States (after Harvard and William & Mary). Even today, its liberal arts program is based upon study of the Great Books. Every spring, St. John's College and the Naval Academy engage in a game of croquet on the front lawn of St. John's campus.
Some of Annapolis's early admirers are also some of America's most famous colonial citizens. They include: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, William Paca, Samuel Chase, Thomas Stone and Charles Carroll. They were all familiar figures in 18th century Annapolis. Of this group, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were the most frequent visitors to the city.
Tourists who visit Annapolis will never suffer from a shortage of things to do. One could spend an entire day on the campus of the Naval Academy itself. The statehouse, which was built in 1771, is the oldest statehouse in continuous use in the United States. It was there that Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. The waterfront area is really a large urban park where many lunchtime picnics take place. The market in the waterfront area has been there since 1788. To see some of historic Annapolis, take a walk along the brick streets and through the alleyways. Cornhill Street is a perfect example of the restoration of old homes that is taking place in the city. Historic Annapolis, Inc., founded in 1952, is responsible for the restoration of many of the historic homes in Annapolis. Some of these homes include: the Georgian Hammand/Harwood House, the Chase Lloyd House, where Francis Scott Key was married and the house and gardens of William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence. All of these houses are open to the public.
Whether you're looking for modern-day fun, or the charm of colonial America, Annapolis, Maryland has it all.
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