Discover Annapolis: 10 Surprising Fun Facts About Maryland's Historic Capital

1. Sailing Capital & Hall of Fame

Ahoy, mateys! Grab your captain's hat and sail through Annapolis, Maryland, where you'll discover more than just crabs and a Naval Academy: this city is not only the unofficial "Sailing Capital of the United States" but also hosts the revered National Sailing Hall of Fame. Since 2005, this prestigious institution has honored America's finest sea farers, with plans to expand and continue celebrating the accomplishments of sailors while nurturing Annapolis' lively sailing community, complete with yacht clubs, regattas, and the Naval Academy's top-ranked sailing program.
Source => whatsupmag.com

2. No Nails Dome Party

Back in 1788, Annapolis locals decided to throw a "dome"-estic party, and nails clearly weren't invited: The Maryland State House's dome, designed by Joseph Clark, was constructed entirely without metal nails, relying instead on wooden pegs and iron straps crafted by an Annapolis ironmonger to keep things together.
Source => msa.maryland.gov

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=> Fun Facts about Washington-Dc

3. World's Largest Crab Feast

In the spirit of "crabbing the limelight" with their lip-smacking summer fiesta, Annapolis proudly presents a yearly crustacean congregation that's an absolute shell-abration: The Annual Rotary Crab Feast has been held since 1946 and serves as the "world's largest crab feast," where roughly 2,500 people gather at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to dive claws-first into over 320 bushels of Maryland's famous blue crabs, alongside hearty helpings of corn, beef barbecue sandwiches, and hot dogs - all the while following a "zero-waste" policy and supporting local nonprofits.
Source => visitannapolis.org

4. The State House Super-Cat

If Annapolis were a cat, its Maryland State House would be like that old, wise feline with an im-paw-sible amount of life experiences tucked under its whiskers: Annapolis, Maryland, boasts the oldest State House in continuous legislative use in the United States, which not only hosted George Washington's resignation as Commander in Chief, but also witnessed the ratification of the Treaty of Paris by the Continental Congress, marking the end of the Revolutionary War. With guided tours available, history buffs can revel in these monumental morsels of America's past.
Source => conduitstreet.mdcounties.org

5. Couture Croquet Clash

When croquet and couture collide, you know you're in for a ball: Annapolis, Maryland is home to an annual croquet match between St. John's College and the U.S. Naval Academy—a spirited contest where players have sported garb ranging from kilts to camo, tuxedos to Viking attire. This beloved event draws elegantly dressed fans, college communities, dignitaries, and even Annapolis' Mayor to witness the Johnnies' cup-clinching victories (30 so far) and kicks off Johnnie Week, a new annual celebration teeming with events for alumni, students, families, and friends.
Source => patch.com

6. Swashbuckler's Academy

Shiver me timbers, matey! Annapolis, Maryland, be home to a treasure trove of nautical knowledge, where swashbucklers and landlubbers alike become bonafide Navy sailors: The U.S. Naval Academy, established in 1845, claims the title of the nation's second-oldest service academy and is now renowned for its exceptional undergraduate engineering programs. This prestigious institution boasts alumni like Senator John McCain and Chip Carter, the son of former President Jimmy Carter.
Source => msa.maryland.gov

7. A Classic Education

Feeling a bit bookish, are we? In Annapolis, they've been getting their classics on since the days of disco, flappers, and... horse-drawn chariots: St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland has upheld a Great Books curriculum since 1937, quenching the intellectual thirst of its students with a lavish feast of philosophy, literature, mathematics, and science gems.
Source => sjc.edu

8. Declaration Signers' Houses

Where America's Founding Fathers literally laid the foundation: Annapolis, Maryland, is the proud home of all four of the state's signers of the Declaration of Independence – William Paca, Samuel Chase, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and Thomas Stone – and boasts the only surviving houses of any state's signers, which can be explored at the William Paca House and Garden exhibition, We Hold These Truths: Maryland's Signers and the Declaration of Independence.
Source => annapolis.org

9. Where America Said "I Do"

You could say Annapolis was the "I do" capital of America, as it's where the country tied the knot with independence: On January 14, 1784, in the Maryland State House's Senate Chamber, Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the Revolutionary War and boosting the United States onto the dance floor of sovereignty.
Source => msa.maryland.gov

10. Picturesque Shopper's Paradise

Ready to spice up your shopping game with a pinch of "brick-and-mortar" flair? Look no further than Maryland's very own treasure trove: Annapolis is home to over 90 local businesses offering everything from trendy attire to artisan ceramics, stylish home decor to fine wines, and even a dash of delightful gift shops and savory spice markets – all nestled in its charming downtown district.
Source => downtownannapolispartnership.org