Known as the Sailing Capital of America, Annapolis is the Maryland state capital and home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Annapolis is 27 miles from both Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. It is located on the Severn River. Annapolis average annual rainfall is 39.03 inches per year. Annapolis average temperature is 55.6 degrees F. The average low temperature is 35.5 (winter) degrees F. The average high temperature is 85.2 (summer) degrees F. Annapolis elevation is 92 feet above sea level.
Annapolis also plays host to the Volvo Ocean Race every four years, with the next visit scheduled for 2010.
Greenbury Point was the first settled area in what is now Annapolis. The Puritans called it Providence when they arrived in 1649. The area grew and developed near the Severn River. By 1694, the settlement had designated by Governor Sir Francis Nicholson as a new capital city for the Province of Maryland. The first seat was in St. Mary’s City. The new city, Annapolis, was named for the future queen of England, Anne. Its translation is "Anne’s City." This settlement area is now all located in a National Historic Landmark area.
Incorporated on November 22, 1708, by Governor John Seymour in behalf of Queen Anne. This charter was the only one issued under the Royal seal in Maryland. Annapolis is the oldest incorporated city in Maryland. Annapolis is the place of many "firsts" in Maryland, among them are: nation’s first State House, first parochial libraries, and the first printing of the Maryland Gazette. Many famous and important events took place here in Annapolis. The Treaty of Paris was signed here. This treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War. United States Naval Academy was founded here.
Overlooking the city, the State House is the oldest state Capitol still in continuous legislative use. It is topped by the largest wooden dome in the United States. Annapolis became Maryland's capital in 1695. St. John's College. Founded in 1796, stands as the third oldest college in the United States.
Information Courtesy Anne Arundel County
Use NOAA Charts 12283 and 12282.
Annapolis is located up the Severn River from Chesapeake Bay. The city technically lies on both Spa and Back creeks, and both are home to an expansive marine industry.
Flashing red “4” marks the approach to Annapolis from the Severn River. Once you have cleared this mark, follow the series of lit and unlit buoys into Spa or Back creeks. Spa Creek is home to downtown Annapolis, while Back Creek has a number of large marinas, most of which accept transients. Downtown Annapolis is accessible from the north side of Back Creek, as all street ends in Annapolis are also dinghy landings.
City administered moorings spot both creeks, but limited anchoring room is available if you look for it. A popular, if not bumpy anchorage is right off the Naval Academy near Triton Point. Pay heed to all in-the-water buoyage and regulations less you get a visit form the DNR Police or the city.
Annapolis is host to many events year-round that revolve around the U.S. Naval Academy and the rich maritime heritage. A little inside advice will lead you to the downtown harbor areas on Wednesday nights during the summer where the local yacht club races finish right among the moored boats. See the “Helpful Links” section below for more details.
Bus service is available from the City of Annapolis’ Transportation Department. Routes cover the entire city from Back Creek all the way to the Annapolis Mall. See the “Helpful Links” section below for detailed route maps and schedules.
Baltimore Washington International Airport is only a half-hour drive away from Annapolis and shuttle, rail (via bus connection) and bus service is available from Annapolis.
Those wishing to visit Washington D.C, can pick up Maryland (MTA) bus service to the D.C. Metro Rail in New Carrolton at a number of downtown Annapolis locations. See full schedules in the “Helpful Links” section below.
