When most people hear the name Annapolis, they think of the nation's prestigious Naval Academy. But while the U.S. Naval Academy is certainly one of Annapolis' highlights, the city offers so much more to visitors and relocating families. Its rich 18th century history offers an unforgettable trip back in time, evident through the city's well-preserved architecture.

Annapolis, Maryland's capital in colonial and present times, has been painstakingly preserved to maintain its original atmosphere. The city was considered one of the most desirable areas in which to live during the days of English rule. Today, it remains much the same. Situated along the Chesapeake Bay waterfront, Annapolis captures the feel of the colonial maritime days. Its narrow streets and row houses are an architectural anomaly in this age of chrome and glass. Whether you wander its side streets or venture to the Naval Academy campus (established in 1845) or historic State House, you'll be struck with the great care the city has taken to preserve its proud past.

A tour of Annapolis is a treat for any history buff. At the center of town stands the Maryland State House, completed in 1779. The State House served as one of the early capitols of the United States. The Treaty of Paris was ratified in the Old Senate Chamber in 1784, a measure that ended the Revolutionary War. A statue of George Washington pays tribute to the very spot where he resigned his commission as leader of the Continental Army. On the same grounds where the State House is located, you'll find the Old Treasury Building, finished in 1735.

Wander the streets of Annapolis, and you'll spot quaint 18th century brick row houses. One of the highlights of this trip back in time is the Hammond-Harwood House, located just two blocks west of the State House. Built in 1774, the red-brick house is open to the public and is well worth a tour. Its architecture features intricately carved woodwork, particularly in its front entrance area. According to historical records, William Buckland, the designer of the home, apparently became obsessed with its construction and design -- so obsessed, in fact, that his fiancee left him. Buckland became distraught and suffered an untimely death at age 38, before the home was completed.

Another home worth exploring is the William Paca Estate, built in 1765. The home served as a rooming house until the 1960s. In 1976, the year of the Bicentennial, the estate was restored to resemble its 18th century appearance. On its grounds is a spectacular formal garden.

In addition to the above-mentioned historical homes, you'll also find several 18th century cottages lining the streets along Annapolis' waterfront. One of them, the Tobacco Prise House, is open to the public. This former tobacco warehouse is now a mini museum paying tribute to the city's tobacco trade. Its exhibits explain to visitors the process of tobacco handling and storage. The Shiplap House was constructed in 1715 and served as a tavern before being converted to a museum many years later. The Shiplap House contains various artifacts of Annapolis history, and in the rear of the home, you'll find an herb garden of medicinal plants grown during the colonial era.

Real estate in Annapolis varies greatly in price from below $100,000 to more than $1 million. Realtors use the terms "waterfront" and "water privileged" to describe homes' distance from the coveted waters of the Chesapeake, and the closer one gets to the water, the higher the price you may expect to pay. Those well-preserved, 18th century brick row houses in downtown Annapolis have hefty price tags, but the city also has an abundance of condominiums, apartments and ranch-style and colonial-style single-family homes, as well, so it's not difficult to locate a home that accommodates your budget.

Annapolis' public schools, noted for their initiatives in technology, is a selling point for the city. To find out more about the Anne Arundel Public School System, head to .

Annapolis is one of the United States' last remaining cities in which history and modernization have coexisted peacefully. The result is a fascinating combination of 18th century architecture amidst booming commerce and industry -- and a campus in the center of it all that grooms the next generation of industry leaders using traditional principles. Annapolis is located just 30 minutes from BWI Airport outside Washington, D.C., and is conveniently accessed should your travels bring you either to Baltimore or our nation's capital.

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Published: March 1, 1999

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