Maryland State House

Maryland State House
Name	Maryland State House
Caption	The Maryland State House, with its distinctive wooden dome, in Annapolis.
Location	Annapolis, Maryland, United States
Coordinates	38, 58, 43, N...
Built	1772–1797
Architect	Joseph Clark, John Shaw
Architecture	Georgian
Designated nrhp type	October 15, 1966
Partof	Colonial Annapolis Historic District
Refnum	66000385

Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use in the United States. Located in Annapolis, it served as the nation's first peacetime capitol from November 1783 to August 1784. The building is renowned for its large wooden dome, constructed without nails, and its deep association with the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War.

History

Construction began in 1772 under the guidance of Annapolis architect Joseph Clark, but was delayed by the American Revolutionary War. The building was sufficiently complete by late 1779 to host the Maryland General Assembly. From November 26, 1783, to August 13, 1784, the State House served as the Capitol of the United States, housing the Congress of the Confederation. It was here that General George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army before the Congress, a seminal event for American civilian government. The building's iconic dome and cupola were added between 1785 and 1797, completing the structure.

Architecture

The State House is a premier example of late 18th-century Georgian architecture in America. The original two-story brick structure was designed with a symmetrical facade and a central pediment. The interior features significant spaces like the restored Old Senate Chamber, which retains its original 18th-century appearance. The building's design was influenced by the work of English architects like James Gibbs, and its construction utilized materials such as Aquia Creek sandstone. Later modifications, including the dome and expansions for the Governor's offices and the Maryland Court of Appeals, were integrated while preserving its historic character.

Legislative functions

The building remains the active seat of government for the State of Maryland. It houses the chambers of the Maryland Senate and the Maryland House of Delegates, where the Maryland General Assembly convenes annually for its 90-day legislative session. The office of the Governor of Maryland is also located within the building. Key legislative activities, including the drafting of the state budget, passage of public laws, and confirmation of gubernatorial appointments, are conducted here, maintaining the capitol's continuous use since the 18th century.

Dome and cupola

The most distinctive feature is its large wooden dome, designed by Joseph Clark and constructed between 1785 and 1788. Built entirely of wood from Maryland and Virginia without the use of nails, it is the largest wooden dome of its kind in the United States. The dome is surmounted by a lantern cupola, from which a weather vane in the shape of a tolerant Acorn finial, designed by Thomas Jefferson's mentor Benjamin Latrobe, was added in 1789. The interior of the dome features decorative painting completed in the 20th century.

Historic events

Beyond Washington's resignation, the State House was the site where the Treaty of Paris was ratified on January 14, 1784, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. The Annapolis Convention of 1786, a precursor to the Constitutional Convention, was held here. In 1864, the building was the setting for debates on the new state constitution that abolished slavery in Maryland. More recently, it has been the site of inaugurations, historic legislative debates, and visits by dignitaries like the Marquis de Lafayette.

Grounds and monuments

The grounds feature several significant monuments and memorials. These include a statue of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, and a plaque marking the former location of the Annapolis Liberty Tree. The grounds also contain a replica of the Diana statue that once adorned the cupola. The building is the centerpiece of the Colonial Annapolis Historic District and is adjacent to other historic structures like the Maryland Treasury Building and St. Anne's Church.

Category:State capitols in the United States Category:Government buildings completed in 1797 Category:National Historic Landmarks in Maryland Category:Buildings and structures in Annapolis, Maryland