Annapolis is Maryland's Capital City; the State House, visible from almost every point in the City, is the oldest such building in continuous legislative use in the United States. Annapolis is also the home of the United States Naval Academy and St. John's College (which was founded as King William's School in 1696 and is the third oldest institution of higher learning in America).

Annapolis was named in honor of King James II's youngest daughter, Princess Anne. Annapolis became the Maryland Colony's capital in 1695. From 1783-1784, during the American Revolutionary War, Annapolis was the country's capital.