City of Annapolis

Founded in 1649, Annapolis became the capital city of Maryland in 1694 and was incorporated as a city in 1708. Today, Annapolis is internationally recognized for its magnificent location on the Chesapeake Bay, rich historic legacy, maritime industry and environmental stewardship.

Annapolis is also a city of distinctive neighborhoods, active businesses and diverse populations. As the home of the United States Naval Academy and St. John’s College (the third-oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S.), Annapolis is the site of a wide variety of special events and cultural activities.

Our city is known as America’s sailing capital, recognized by USA Today as a “must stop destination for sailors.” It was also recognized by American Style magazine as 1 of top 25 small towns for the arts, and proclaimed by Forbes magazine as one of America’s most beautiful towns.

We have been welcoming visitors for more than 300 years and today , 4.5 million people visit our shores each year….but we never forget our mission to maintain and enhance a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

Annapolis is a relatively compact city with 7.2 square miles of land along with 17 miles of waterfront on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The city provides its citizens with essential services including police and fire protection, code-enforcement, refuge and recycling pick-up, licensing and permitting, recreation, parks and fields programs, and transportation and taxi services.

Specialties

Government and citizen services