Annapolis- Where History Blends with Modern Life

Annapolis MD offers a rich, expansive history that blends with modern life and entertainment to create an experience and atmosphere that truly cannot be found anywhere else. With a long, rich history to build upon, the city is a limitless treasure to enjoy and explore. 

The crown jewel of downtown Annapolis is its historic city dock area. If you were looking to find the center of the pulse of Annapolis, this would be the city’s heart. The historic dock area has been the center of activities for Annapolis since the 17th century, and Annapolis city dock truly helped the city become the beautiful center of history and culture that it is today. 

The area that the city proper of Annapolis is situated on was originally settled by Puritans in the 1600’s. The city’s initial wealth was derived mainly via the slave trade, and the city was later named Annapolis after Princess Anne, who then became the Queen of England. Annapolis has long had the reputation of being wealthy and cultured, and even served as temporary capital of the United States during from 1783 to 1784. 

This rich history provides visitors to Annapolis with many historical sites to behold and experience. One of the best known historical sites is the Alex Haley memorial. Located on the harbor, this site commemorates Alex Haley’s book “Roots”. The memorial is placed where Kunta Kinte first arrived in America, and aims to portray the struggle and eventual triumph over slavery. The memorial is meant to inspire all people, regardless of race, to succeed in the face of difficulty and hard times. The memorial features a scuplture of Haley reading a book to children of three different ethnic backgrounds, and his hand appears to reach out towards the Chesapeake Bay. The port at this location has been viewed by African Americas as their version of Ellis Island- the place where many of their ancestors entered the New World for the first time. The memorial also offers a dramatically beautiful compass rose which measures 14 feet in diameter, seating, a “story wall” of plaques, and resources for information about the memorial and its purpose. 

A sharp contrast to the struggle and significance of the Alex Haley memorial is the area known as “Ego Alley”. This area is also located on the harbor, but tends to attract a much different vessel than Kunta Kinte arrived on- the luxury yacht. Thus, the city dock is also known to boaters as Ego Alley due to the the numerous and pricey yachts that are usually in the area. Annapolis seems to effortlessly blend the sites of historical importance with this area of affluence and entertainment, without either seeming to be out of place. On weekends and evenings, the parade of expensive vessels in the area can be a real sight to behold. In October, the city docks are host to the largest powerboat and sailboat shows in the world. Annapolis has a very unique ability to seamlessly blend the historic with the modern, creating a vibrancy and character that cannot be replicated, and the Annapolis boat shows seem to magnify the electricity and excitement this city instills in its residents and visitors. 

During the 17th century, Annapolis was host to shipping vessels and bay fishermen, and that has remained constant to this day. Picturesque sailboats can be spotted frequently, and for this reason, Annapolis is commonly known as the sail boat capital of the world. The occasional shipping vessel spotted in the distance becomes a reminder of the importance and functionality of the bay to commerce. The bay has also been actively fished upon for generations, and is well known for its excellent blue crabs. 

The famous crabs pulled from the bay enables Annapolis restaurants to offer incredible culinary delights. Annapolis waterfront restaurants often feature crabs that have been caught locally, and are served fresh. This is a mouth-watering treat that should not be missed! 

The Annapolis dock area hosts many historical points of interest, and many grand homes and buildings from bygone eras create an atmosphere of living history in the area. In addition, the United States Naval Academy is also located on the harbor. The USNA does allow visitors, and its campus offers a visitor center, historic buildings, and even real aircraft on its grounds. The USNA is home to John Paul Jones’ crypt, which is housed in the Academy’s chapel. While visiting, take to get snapshots aside real fighter jets, torpedoes and even an early submarine. The United States Naval Academy is an active institution and houses more than 4000 midshipmen annually. 

For accommodations while visiting this treasure trove of history and culture, Annapolis offers an unrivaled blend of historic inns and modern hotels offering spectacular views of the waterfront. The Annapolis Marriott offers the comfort and class of a Marriott in the heart of Downtown Annapolis. The Annapolis Marriot has the posh comfort of a luxury hotel in the midst of the vibrant atmosphere of this lively and exciting town. In addition, other waterfront hotels offer accommodations right on the bay, with beautiful views of the water and unmatched opportunities for boat watching. 

Annapolis is a city with a deep and rich history, but it manages to blend this wonderful history with modern delights and marvels. The Annapolis city dock is a place like no other, where history is woven together with modern entertainment creating a unique tapestry which can be found nowhere else. Annapolis MD offers a vibrant community and perspective that comes only with having a deep, passionate history to build upon.