Maryland State House
91 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-974-3400
State House Website

The Maryland State House, whose dome towers above State Circle in Annapolis, served as the first peacetime capitol of the United States, the only state house to claim that distinction. Inside the Old Senate Chamber, the Continental Congress met, George Washington resigned as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the Treaty of Paris was ratified, officially ending the Revolutionary War. The splendid brick State House, a National Historic Landmark, is the oldest state capitol still in continuous use, and it's topped by the oldest and largest wooden dome of its kind in the country. Step back in time in the restored Old Senate Chamber, where a mannequin of George Washington stands, and the president's desk as well as other furniture are original pieces made in the 18th century. Above the landing of the main staircase in the new section of the State House, a painting depicts Washington as he resigned his commission. The new Senate Chamber features four paintings of Maryland's signers of the Declaration of Independence, and restored skylights grace the Senate and House of Delegates chambers.


Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., Sun, 10-4; guided tours daily, 11 and 3. Closed Christmas Day, no tours Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Day.