Generated by DeepSeek V3.2| Annapolis, Maryland | |
|---|---|
| Name | Annapolis |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "America's Sailing Capital", "The Sailing Capital of the World" |
| Motto | Vixi Liber Et Moriar, ("I have lived, and I shall die, free") |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Maryland |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Anne Arundel |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1649 |
| Established title1 | Chartered |
| Established date1 | 1708 |
| Government type | Mayor–Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Gavin Buckley |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 21.98 |
| Area total sq mi | 8.49 |
| Area land km2 | 19.09 |
| Area land sq mi | 7.37 |
| Area water km2 | 2.89 |
| Area water sq mi | 1.12 |
| Elevation m | 12 |
| Elevation ft | 39 |
| Population total | 40712 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 2132.2 |
| Population density sq mi | 5523.5 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 21401-21405, 21409, 21411-21412 |
| Area code | 410, 443, 667 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 24-01600 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0595031 |
| Website | www.annapolis.gov |
Annapolis, Maryland. Annapolis is the capital city of the U.S. state of Maryland and the county seat of Anne Arundel County. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, it is home to the United States Naval Academy and a historic district featuring 18th-century Georgian architecture. The city's maritime heritage and political significance have earned it the nickname "America's Sailing Capital."
The area was settled in 1649 by Puritan exiles from Virginia, led by William Stone, and was originally named "Providence." It served as a stronghold during the colonial conflicts known as the English Civil War. In 1694, following the relocation of Maryland's capital from St. Mary's City, the settlement was renamed "Annapolis" in honor of the future Queen Anne and formally chartered in 1708. Annapolis briefly served as the capital of the United States after the signing of the Treaty of Paris and was the site of the Annapolis Convention, a pivotal precursor to the Constitutional Convention. The United States Naval Academy was established here in 1845 on the grounds of the former Fort Severn.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.49 square miles, of which 7.37 square miles is land and 1.12 square miles is water. Annapolis is located on the southern bank of the Severn River, near its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay. The city's topography is characterized by rolling hills and numerous inlets, including Spa Creek and Back Creek. Its coastline and position on the Atlantic coastal plain have profoundly shaped its development and economy.
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 40,712. The racial makeup was 60.1% White, 20.6% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 7.5% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 18.1% of the population. The population density was 5,523.5 inhabitants per square mile. The city is part of the larger Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area.
Annapolis operates under a Mayor-Council system. The city's chief executive is the Mayor, a position held by Gavin Buckley since 2017. Legislative authority rests with the Annapolis City Council, an eight-member body elected from wards. As the state capital, the city hosts the Maryland General Assembly, which convenes in the Maryland State House—the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States. The Governor of Maryland maintains an official residence, Government House, within the city.
The economy is anchored by state government, the United States Naval Academy, and maritime industries. Tourism is a major sector, driven by the historic district, sailing events like the Annapolis Sailboat Show, and waterfront dining. The presence of the Maryland Department of Transportation and related agencies provides significant public-sector employment. Private sector activity includes defense contracting, boat building and repair, and a growing technology sector supported by proximity to Fort George G. Meade and the National Security Agency.
The city is renowned for its preserved colonial core, featuring buildings like the Hammond–Harwood House and the William Paca House. It hosts major annual events such as the Annapolis Film Festival and the United States Sailboat Show. The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra performs at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. The maritime culture is celebrated at the Annapolis Maritime Museum and through numerous sailing clubs and regattas on the Chesapeake Bay. The city's dining scene prominently features Maryland blue crab.
The city is served by Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Notable public high schools include Annapolis High School. The premier institution is the federal service academy, the United States Naval Academy. St. John's College, founded in 1696 as King William's School, is a prominent liberal arts college known for its Great Books program. Anne Arundel Community College also maintains a campus in the city.