History Of Annapolis: A Rundown Of Our Town’s Humble Past
Annapolis is a beautiful and thriving city. But, we can’t just assume that it happened that way overnight. There were many years that this city grew and changed into what it has become today. MARS Roofing is located in Clinton, and we love the history and life our neighboring city of Annapolis brings.
Today, we will offer a simple Annapolis history timeline and lesson on how this city came to be. There’s a lot to cover, from a simple seaport town to a bustling metropolis!
FROM SETTLING TO 1649
In the United States, much of our calendars revolve around the year 1776, when our great nation was born. But, it’s important to know and realize that the history of North America stretches far beyond just that.
Traveling from England and seeking refuge from religious and moral discrimination, Puritan settlers found what is now known as the Chesapeake Bay. The town they established here was known as Providence.
This new town was true to its name and began quickly growing into what we know it as today.
KING WILLIAM’S SCHOOL 1696
Just under 50 years after the town had been established, a school started offering classes as a place to educate the New World.
Later known as St. John’s College, this school continues to educate students even today. It’s the third oldest university to ever be established in what later became The United States.
If you’re interested in viewing the well-preserved buildings you can find them in the city’s historic district.
St. John’s College
MULTIPLE NAME CHANGES – 1702
It wouldn’t have been uncommon to think of Providence and have several different names for it in those days. The city officials changed the name to Townland at Proctor’s and later to Ann Arundel’s Towne, named after the powerful Lord Baltimore’s wife.
It wasn’t until the city began serving as the capital to other surrounding colonies and cities that it received Annapolis from Governor Francis Nicholson. He renamed it after Princess Anne of England.
THE FIRST BRICK THEATER – 1771
It wasn’t the first theater in America, but Pioneering Theater was the first brick theater built-in 1771. Residents of Annapolis would have enjoyed plays and shows in the small brick building.
Today, locals and visitors can attend operas, plays, and other performances throughout the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. This much newer theater was constructed in the early 1930s and featured 800 seats.
Source: NatureSacred.com
A FEDERAL CAPITAL
More than just a city, America’s first president, George Washington, loved the way that Annapolis was built. He traveled there often and enjoyed the many different amenities and street configurations.
He would later designate it as the country’s capital. But, the U.S. government was only headquartered in Annapolis for nine months.
If you visit the historic district in Annapolis, you’ll be able to view Maryland’s State House, located right in the heart of this district. Different rooms are available to view throughout, including the old senate chamber.
Maryland’s capital building is the nation’s oldest. Here they hosted the Constitutional Convention and Annapolis Convention in the 1780s. Additionally, Congress both brought an end to the Revolutionary War and provided the Treaty of Paris from this location.
Maryland’s State House
A SEAPORT CITY
The Atlantic Ocean played a huge role in the city’s history. During the 1800s, fishing and shipping became Annapolis’ fastest growing and most prominent industry. Locals depended on the shipyards and harvest of sea creatures for their livelihood.
Today, the port is primarily used as a small port for recreational watercraft such as private yachts, racing vessels, or sailboats.
Fort Severn, located just outside of Annapolis, became the U.S. Naval Academy in 1845 and ranks as one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The campus there spans nearly 340 acres along the river. Guests of the Academy can see an assortment of models and artifacts at the museum.
STEPPING INTO THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
Building a city from nothing but dirt homes to something as advanced as our cities are today is nothing short of a miracle. Three decades after the Civil War ended in the United States, Annapolis Emergency Hospital began accepting patients. This hospital’s name was later changed to Anne Arundel General Hospital in 1949.
The military established two bases in Annapolis: Greenbury Point and Camp Admiral, later known as Fort Meade.
In June of 1950, Friendship International Airport took on some of its first passengers, and just two years later, residents of the city were walking across the new Chesapeake Bay Bridge. 1952 was also the first year of the Anne Arundel County Fair, and in 1958 Maryland’s first shopping mall opened.
FROM THEN TO NOW
The city has changed a lot and is still developing and changing every day. In 2004 the city’s airfield was renamed Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (it’s a bit of a mouth full). But, the name has meaning, and we love it because it honors the Supreme Court’s first African American judge, Thurgood Marshall. Marshall worked tirelessly for his entire career to bring an end to segregation.
In November 2007, Annapolis had the honor of hosting the Israel and Palestinian Authority talks that included over 40 nations.
As a whole, this city continues to serve its country in high capacity, and we’re proud of that.
While our job as roofers can seem small compared to what this city has been through, we hope that you’ll turn to MARS Roofing when you want a long-lasting and well-installed roof on your home.
Our team is ready to answer your call and provide a free inspection. Reach out to us today!
