Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Historic building · Annapolis, Maryland
Maryland State House
Annapolis’s state capitol, from the 18th century, is the oldest in the United States still used by a legislature and was the country’s Congress seat between 1783 and 1784.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Maryland State House
The Maryland State House was built beginning in 1772 on the hill that overlooks downtown Annapolis, and it is the oldest state capitol in the United States still in use by its legislative assembly. The wooden dome, topped by a lightning rod, is one of the largest of its kind built without nails in the country.
Between November 1783 and August 1784, the building served as the seat of the United States Congress. There George Washington resigned his command of the Continental Army in December 1783, and Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.
The old Senate chamber has been restored with period furniture and depicts the scene of Washington’s resignation. Other rooms have exhibits about the state’s and the building’s history, and visitors can see the current chambers when there is no session.
Entry is subject to inspection and requires photo ID. Surrounding the building, State Circle is a plaza with colonial-era brick houses.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
Best time
Weekday mornings. During the legislative session, from January to April, the building is busier.
How to get there
It is on State Circle, atop the historic downtown, a few minutes’ walk from the City Dock and the Naval Academy.
Tip
Bring photo ID for entry. There is no admission fee; guided tours are offered at certain times and help explain the historic rooms.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Maryland State House
Why is Maryland’s capitol important?
It served as the United States Congress seat in 1783–1784. There Washington resigned command of the army and the treaty that ended the Revolutionary War was ratified.
Can you visit the Maryland State House?
Yes, with security screening and photo ID. Admission is free.
How long does a visit to Annapolis’s capitol take?
About an hour to see the old Senate chamber, the exhibits, and the current chambers.