Annapolis

Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, U.S., stands on the south bank of the river Severn, 2 miles from its entrance into Chesapeake Bay, and 40 miles E. by N. of Washington by rail. It has an air of quiet seclusion, more like a European town than an American city. Among its edifices are an imposing state-house, St John's College (1784), a Roman Catholic seminary, a naval hospital (1871), and a United States naval academy, established in 1845. Pupils remain in this institution for four years, previous to examination and admission into the navy as midshipmen. Founded as Providence in 1649, Annapolis received its present name in honour of Queen Anne. Pop. (1870) 5744; (1880) 6642; (1890) 7604.