Step into Chesapeake Bay transportation history at the restored Aberdeen B&O Train Station. Explore railroading’s role in industry, military history, and community life while watching trains on active tracks. Discover a living link to the Bay’s economic and cultural evolution through engaging interpretation and historic architecture.
- The image depicts a historical train station building on a clear, sunny day. The structure is made of brick and wood, with a slate-gray roof featuring two gabled dormer windows. The building's facade includes several large, open windows and a covered platform supported by red wooden beams. A group of people stands on the platform near the main entrance, and a person is visible through one of the open windows. In the foreground, there are train tracks composed of steel rails and gravel ballast. The background shows a clear blue sky and a few trees on the left and right.
Annapolis City Dock is a bustling hub in the historic heart of Annapolis, MD. City Dock has served as an important port within Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay region for at least 350 years. Today, City Dock continues to connect its residents with the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and businesses of the region.
- Annapolis City Dock is a bustling wide outdoor-space surrounded by unique brick-buildings, shops, and restaurants. Many boats are found in City Dock with many making their way up a small water alley, known as “Ego Alley”. Many park benches and trees are also found at the tail end of City Dock.
In 1902, the first hospital in Annapolis opened on Cathedral Street. Its medical staff included Dr. William Bishop, the town’s leading African American physician. However, after Dr. Bishop’s death in 1904, the hospital no longer accepted Black physicians on staff. In 1910, a new hospital, built on the corner of Franklin and Cathedral, was open to all residents, but it had segregated wards and did not admit Black women for maternity care.
- Trees and street lights designed to look historic line the side of Cathedral Street, where historic buildings are currently in use as commercial or residential properties. Many of these buildings are made of similar red brick, and have period typical features. On the south corner of Cathedral Street and Franklin Street is one such brick building with lighter framing around doors and windows and dark wrought iron fences over the lower floor windows and one upper floor balcony.
In 1803, seven free Black men bought land on West Street to establish the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Annapolis. This current brick Gothic-style church, built in 1888 and expanded in 1976, is known now as Asbury United Methodist Church.
- West Street is a multi-lane road with commercial properties that runs roughly east to west. Most of the buildings along this road are built of red brick, which also makes up part of the road at the crosswalks. On the northern corner where West Street meets W Washington Street there is a triangular board with information about the Old Fourth Ward, the area that West Street is currently in. On the other side of the street is a church with two small lancet windows on either side of a larger lancet window. The door to the church is inset in the center of the building with a few steps up from the sidewalk.
Discover BLISS Meadows, a 10-acre urban farm and land reclamation project in Northeast Baltimore. This unique space offers walking trails, farm animal interactions, and hands-on gardening workshops. Learn about sustainability, food justice, and the contributions of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities while enjoying fresh produce, honey, and community events. Experience nature, education, and social change in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- The image shows a vibrant garden scene in front of a two-story house with a stone facade. In the foreground, bright orange flowers with layered petals stand tall amidst a mix of green foliage. To the left, a pink, spiky flower adds contrast and texture to the scene. Scattered among these are small, round, pink flowers. The house in the background has a dark gray roof and several windows. The entrance features a visible red door, framed by a porch supported by columns. The sky above is mostly clear with a few clouds, suggesting a sunny day.
Baltimore’s concentration of historic, cultural, and natural resources makes the city a truly unique place. The city has been witness to events that have dramatically altered the course of the nation’s history. Over the centuries it has also been witness to more subtle changes in the way Americans work, play, and live. With heritage area designation, both the state of Maryland and the U.S. Congress have acknowledged Baltimore for its capacity to tell these important stories.
The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum is the State of Maryland’s official museum of African American history and culture. Housed in the historic Mt. Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Museum features exhibits on history, art and Black life in Maryland.
- Franklin Street is a narrow road with commercial and residential properties along both sides. On the southeast are two distinctive buildings both made of red brick. One is a church with a pointed arch facade and a rose window in the center above the door. The other is a more modern looking museum with a few large glass windows. A line of stone with Banneker-Douglass Museum carved into it sits about halfway up the facade. Outside the museum, on the red brick sidewalk, is a ten foot tall statue painted a metallic bronze color. The statue memorializes Harriet Tubman, holding a staff and rifle.
- Battle Acre Park is a 1-acre site with lush greenery dedicated to the Battle of North Point during the War of 1812. The site features a large mural and a small stone canyon.
163 Duke of Gloucester is the home John Maynard an African American community leader and a founding trustee of the Stanton School in 1865, which was the first free school for African American children in Annapolis. 148 Duke of Gloucester Street was the home of William Butler, Sr., an African American builder and prosperous landowner who was one of the wealthiest people in the city at the time of the US Civil War. He served on the Annapolis City Council from 1873 to 1875.
- Duke of Gloucester Street runs from Church Circle southeast toward the Eastport Bridge. It is a two lane, one-way road with residential, commercial, and municipal properties on both sides of the road. On the corner of Duke of Gloucester and Market Street, to the right of a large red brick building with a concrete archway, is a detached house with white siding and a small staircase leading to a door. The house is historic, and fits in the rest of the street, which has many other historic buildings or buildings designed to look historic. The staircase up to the door is on the right side of the house, and there are two rows of three windows with an extra window on the upper row above the door. There are two dormer windows extending from the darker shingle roofline. Across the street is a three story brick building with impressive windows and a decorative white cornice. A staircase with an iron railing leads to a light green door on the right side of the building.
Hike through old growth forest along the Potomac River. 11617 Caledon Rd, King George, VA 22485 540-663-3861
Calvert Cliffs State Park is a day-use park featuring a sandy beach, unique fossils, recycled tire playground, a freshwater and tidal marshland and 13 miles of hiking trails located in Calvert County.
Experience the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and discover historic boats, engaging exhibits, and all-ages programming that celebrate the Bay's history, environment, & culture. Watch skilled craftsmen in the working shipyard and enjoy scenic waterfront views. Located in St. Michael’s, this captivating destination invites you to explore the Chesapeake story through hands-on learning, world-class exhibitions, & on-the-water experiences. Your Chesapeake adventure begins here.
- The image depicts a picturesque view of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. In the foreground, there are three boats docked at a wooden pier, their reflections shimmering in the calm water. The boat closest to the left is predominantly white with a wooden deck. Behind the boats are a series of buildings, beginning with a wooden structure with a prominent red roof on the left. This building has large windows and a rustic appearance. To its right, another building with a darker red roof can be seen, partially obscured by the boats. Further right, a small, white lighthouse structure with a black roof stands out, featuring a round, elevated balcony and a flagpole. The sky above is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day.
Chippokes State Park is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the US and explores and shares the history of its enslaved population on the site through programs, exhibits and a memorial.
- Chippokes State Park is a very large park with many fields, grasslands and gardens spread throughout its 1,947 acres. The park runs along the James River and has many sandy beaches.
Need a map of paddling and hiking trails along the Susquehanna River? The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center has you covered. 41 Walnut Street, Columbia,PA 17512 717-449-5607
History is all around you where East Street and Prince George Street meet. The James Brice House is an example of 18th century Georgian architecture. The church across the street, now modern housing, was built as a mission chapel for St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and then served as a synagogue from 1919 through 1962. To the church’s right, this small home, the Creagh-Smith House, was built by colonial craftsman Patrick Creagh and later owned by two free African Americans.
- Prince George Street runs southeast and meets East Street, which runs east to west, at a large intersection. Most of the buildings on the corners of these streets are homes, although some historic homes have been turned into museums. On the northern corner is a large five-part Georgian mansion built of brick that was the home of a prominent Annapolitan of colonial and revolutionary days, James Brice. The other homes along the street retain period features including wooden siding, wrought iron gates, and brickwork. There are trees intermittently along both roads, and the brick of the pavement is uneven in places.
Explore Chesapeake Bay history at the Deltaville Maritime Museum through exhibits on wooden boatbuilding, oyster restoration, living shorelines, and hands-on boatbuilding experiences. Connect with the Bay’s maritime culture and environmental heritage along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.
- The image depicts an aerial view of a rural community center with a prominent building in the foreground. The building is rectangular with a light gray exterior and a bright red roof. Nearby, a small group of people gathers around a flagpole featuring multiple flags. A winding path lined with planted shrubs and trees leads from the building to an area with several tents or stalls set up under canopies. Beyond the main building, more structures with red roofs are visible, surrounded by lush, green landscaping and trees. A gravel parking lot on the right side of the image contains several vehicles, while additional cars are parked on grass to the left. Dense forest encircles the area in the background, under an overcast sky.
The Essex County Museum tells the story of the Rappahannock River and Essex County’s rich history. Explore exhibits on early American exploration, the Revolutionary War, local river traditions, and the Pirates of the Chesapeake. See a scale model of Fort Lowry, boat models, and a 16-foot pictorial map of the river. Visitors can also enjoy the charming courtyard with a NASA Moon Tree and find unique artifacts from the steamboat era.
- The image depicts a brick building housing the Essex County Museum & Historical Society. The structure features classic red brickwork with white-trimmed windows. A prominent sign hangs on a metal bracket, displaying the museum's name. Below the sign, a colorful flag with circular patterns is attached to the building. Green awnings labeled "MUSEUM" hang over the entrance and windows, providing contrast against the brick facade. Metal benches and potted plants line the sidewalk, enhancing the historic charm. A sandwich board on the sidewalk announces that the museum and gift shop are open.
English colonists who crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1607 arrived at the spot now commemorated as First Landing State Park. They would travel further upriver before choosing to build the settlement they called Jamestown. First Landing State Park is in Virginia Beach, VA and is the state’s most visited park. The 2,888-acre park offers camping, picnicking, swimming, boating and more along the Chesapeake Bay. 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-412-2300
- First Landing State Park is a large waterfront park in Virginia that runs along the Chesapeake Bay and offers picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming and more.
The Guardians of the First Amendment Memorial honors those who lost their lives in the 2018 Capital Gazette mass shooting and represents the journalism community’s commitment to uphold the basic rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
- A brick wall curves around a small park on the side of Compromise Street, which runs along the water from the Eastport Bridge up to Main Street and Ego Alley. The park is paved with a few benches and small trees. The main focuses of the small park are stone columns and a large piece of stone inlaid in the brick wall with a quote carved into it.
Historic Sotterley, a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO Site of Memory, preserves over 300 years of history, offering powerful stories of the past alongside scenic trails, gardens, and views of the Patuxent River.
- The image displays a large, historical-style house situated on a well-maintained lawn under a clear blue sky. The building features a long, single-story structure with white wooden siding and a red gabled roof. There are multiple chimneys rising from the roof and black shutters on the windows. A cupola with a weathervane tops the center of the roof. Columns support the front porch that spans the length of the house. Surrounding the building, mature trees and shrubs add greenery, and sunlight casts soft shadows on the grass.
Experience gardens, trails, and waterfront recreation at Holly Point Nature Park. Enjoy kayak access, wildflower meadows, wildlife sculptures, and community events celebrating Chesapeake Bay traditions. Contact the Deltaville Maritime Museum or visit the website for event details and schedules.
- The image shows a lush and vibrant garden bathed in sunlight. In the foreground, there is a small sandbox resembling a boat with a red edge and wooden sides. Surrounding the sandbox are various lush green plants, including low shrubs and flowering bushes. On the left, a garden bench made of wood is partially visible, situated under the shade of a large, leafy tree. Behind the bench, decorative birdhouses are lined up on a ledge. In the background, towering trees form a dense, green canopy. A narrow path meanders through the garden, bordered by plants and small flowering bushes. A garden hose is coiled neatly on the ground near the path, and a small whimsical statue is visible among the foliage on the right.
The John Shaw House is one of the oldest standing houses in Annapolis, and was the home of notable cabinetmaker John Shaw after the Revolutionary War. This craftsman, more than any single person, was responsible for the appearance of the exterior and interior of the State House from the 1770s to the early nineteenth century. He cared for the grounds, illuminated the State House for festive occasions, supplied furnishings, made emergency repairs, and undertook maintenance.
- At the south of State Circle, a small alley with stairs leads to Main Street in downtown Annapolis. Ringing the exterior circle of the road surrounding the state capitol are commercial properties in historic buildings. On the corner of the alley meeting the sidewalk is a large building made of red brick with wooden features painted white, a widow’s walk, and red roof.
Site of the home and printing shop of Jonas Green and his Dutch immigrant wife Anne Catharine Hoof Green who arrived in Annapolis in 1738. Both were ardent leaders of the movement for independence and served as printers and editors of The Maryland Gazette. With only two brief interruptions, in 1765 and during the Revolution, The Maryland Gazette ran under three generations of the Green family from 1745 until its ceased publication in 1839.
- A white house with a dark shingled roof sits on the south side of Charles Street, a predominantly residential road with brick sidewalks and trees lining the walkway. The house has white siding but is partially made of brick, with five dormer windows extending from the upper roofline and a covered front entrance. The house, as well as many other houses along the street, retains period features from colonial Annapolis. There are power lines and streetlamps up and down the street as well, and the ends of the street aren’t visible through the tree coverage.
Lawyer’s Mall, at the base of the steps of the Maryland State House, can be considered as the gateway to Annapolis. This civic plaza serves as a public gathering space today, and features a memorial honoring the accomplishments of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
- Lawyer’s Mall is a small brick and pavement area in between buildings used for legislative and administrative purposes by the Maryland State government. The Maryland State House dome is visible on the south west end of the mall, and Bladen Street is visible to the northwest. Roughly in the center of the mall are benches, and a statue on a plinth in front of two tri-column monuments. Around the plinth and statue is a circle of stone in a different color. The statue depicts Thurgood Marshall holding a book. On the other side of the small lowered area ringed by a brick half-wall and walkways are two statues of a boy and a girl looking up at the statue of Marshall.
Machicomoco State Park, located on the York River, is dedicated to telling the story of Virginia's Indigenous peoples. Its name, Machicomoco, means "a special meeting place" in the Virginia Algonquian language. At the park, miles of trails, a fishing pier, a paddle craft launch, and campground sites offer many ways to recreate at the park. Visit the interpretive area to learn more about Native American culture and history.
- A state park in coastal Virginia. The park has large agricultural fields in the center and is bounded on three sides by a wide river. A paved hiking trail follows the fields around the entire park, where it meets up with campgrounds, fishing piers, historic areas, and boat launches around the perimeter. In the historic area, a historic plantation house stands in addition to a model Indigenous longhouse constructed artistically from a metal structure.
Maryland Avenue is home to a quaint and quiet shopping district, featuring eclectic businesses and restaurants. The Maryland State House stands at one end, with the walls of the Naval Academy at the other. On this street you will find two significant historic homes, the Chase-Lloyd House and the Hammond-Harwood House.
- Maryland Avenue intersects perpendicularly with Prince George Street, King George Street, and other streets in downtown Annapolis. It has a number of historic buildings, many made with red brick similar to other buildings downtown. In contrast to Pinkney Street, Maryland Avenue has residential and commercial properties. On the block between Prince George Street and King George Street, there are a few large historic homes on larger plots of land, rather than a connected row home. Some properties have fences, but others do not. The Maryland State House is visible at the southwest end of the street, which has more commercial properties.
The Maryland State House has been the site of several nationally important events, including George Washington's resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army after the American Revolution, and the ratification of the Treaty of Paris. The rich architecture and history of the building was recognized in 1960 when the State House was designated as a National Historic Landmark.
- The Maryland State House, situated on a hill in the middle of a large roundabout with streets radiating outward, is a large building with a dome flying Maryland and United States flags. The top of the dome is a golden acorn with a lightning rod at the top. The hill has grass, a number of walkways, benches, and large trees. There is another small brick building on the grounds of the State house, which previously served as the Maryland Treasury building. The entire hill is ringed with a short brick wall and a sidewalk made of the same red brick found elsewhere in downtown Annapolis. Businesses and commercial properties in historic buildings ring the outer side of the street.
Explore Menokin, a National Historic Landmark where history, architecture, and conservation meet. See the 1769 home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, witness innovative preservation in action, and walk trails through a protected Chesapeake Bay watershed landscape. Engage with exhibits, hands-on activities, and the powerful stories of those who shaped this place. Paddle Cat Point Creek, connect with nature, and uncover the past in a truly unique setting.
- The image shows a partially reconstructed historical building beneath a protective metal roof structure supported by white beams. The building is built from dark brown brick with patches of exposed and weathered areas revealing a lighter material underneath. The roof of the building is mostly collapsed, and there is a large, intact chimney. A staircase made of wood leads to an elevated platform adjacent to the chimney, making the structure appear skeletal. To the left, there is a small table or bench with no items on it. The surrounding area is grassy with trees and sunlight filtering in from the top right, casting shadows and creating a serene, yet somber, atmosphere.
The Museum of Historic Annapolis offers an immersive experience to explore the diverse history of Annapolis across more than 400 years. Engaging, interactive exhibits, an inspiring film, and a meaningful collection of objects that reveal of the community’s remarkable connections to our larger national story.
- On the southeast end of Main Street, Ego Alley is visible to the east past a traffic circle and small park area. Main Street, a narrow, one way road with businesses and residences on upper floors, continues to the west. Main Street combines historic architecture with modern amenities, and is typically busy with foot traffic and car traffic. To the southwest, on the corner of Green Street and Main Street is a three story brick building with a sign that reads “Museum of Historic Annapolis”. Each story has a row of five windows with small glass panes. The building is connected to a row of buildings made of similar red brick, most of which are commercial businesses.
Just a short drive from many Mid-Atlantic cities, the Northern Neck National Heritage Area offers a journey back in time. Whether for a day, weekend, or week, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore history, enjoy coastal charm, and experience natural beauty. From historic sites to scenic byways, there’s always something new to discover in this unique corner of Virginia.
The People’s Park stands in what was formerly the Old Fourth Ward and honors those displaced by urban renewal. The neighborhood earned the nickname “Annapolis Harlem” and was the home to an impressive music scene in the early 1900s.
- A small park with benches, trees, and landscaping sits on the west side of Calvert Street near a few city garages. The park has a small blue playground, a few tables with built-in chairs, and a covered pavilion. There are lamps in the park modeled to look historic, and streetlights on the end of the sidewalk by the road that are taller and more modern. On the opposite side of the street, there is a colorful mural on the side of a building.
Explore the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, the first built on the Potomac River. Discover captivating exhibits on local maritime history, WWII naval presence, and the iconic lighthouse itself. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the Potomac and its rich ecosystem. Immerse yourself in the beauty and heritage of the Chesapeake Bay watershed while uncovering the stories that shaped this remarkable area.
- The image shows a picturesque view of the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park. On the left, there is a cylindrical white lighthouse with a black lantern room at the top, surrounded by a simple black railing. Adjacent to the lighthouse is a two-story, white-painted brick building with black shutters on the windows. The building has a gabled roof and a prominent porch with white railings and steps leading to the ground. In the foreground, a garden with neatly arranged patches of green plants and small flowers is visible, set against a bright blue sky on a clear day.
Pinkney Street, one of the most photographed locations in Annapolis, provides the unique historic charm for which Annapolis is so well-known. Historic row homes in a variety of colors line this narrow street that runs from East Street down towards City Dock. See one of the oldest surviving houses in Annapolis, the Shiplap House, and explore the city’s maritime history at the Waterfront Warehouse.
- Historic row homes in a variety of colors line the narrow street that runs from East Street down towards City Dock. Many of the homes retain period appropriate exteriors and fixtures, and a number have a plaque that declares the homes historic. A few of the buildings on Pinkney Street have been converted into museums, including a warehouse at the southeastern corner of the street and a modest wood framehome about halfway up the street. There are thin sidewalks of red brick on either side of the road, which allows for one way traffic. Many of the houses have wooden stairs that lead from the front door to the sidewalk, and some fly flags, such as the Maryland flag and the flag of the US Navy.
Point Lookout State Park, in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, sits on a peninsula bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. The well-known park offers many recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687 301-872-5688
- Point Lookout State Park is a large park that sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. The park includes a large lighthouse, museum and nature center which interpret the history and natural resources of the park and region.
Step aboard Pride II, a reproduction Baltimore Clipper, and sail into the Chesapeake’s maritime past. Explore its history from privateering in the War of 1812 to life on the Bay today. Tour the deck or set sail for a hands-on adventure! As part of the NPS Chesapeake Gateways, Pride II offers a unique way to experience the Bay’s seafaring heritage.
- The image depicts a large sailing ship known as the Pride of Baltimore II, navigating across a body of water. The ship is a tall, two-masted schooner with expansive, billowing white sails. The sails catch the wind in a smooth, curved manner, showcasing their impressive scale and shape. The ship's hull is painted in a dark color with a yellow trim, and a crew can be seen aboard, attending to the sails and rigging. Several flags are visible at the top of the masts, including a prominently displayed American flag. The sky is bright blue with scattered white clouds, creating a vivid backdrop. The water below is slightly choppy, with small waves and visible movement.
Sail aboard a restored 1926 catboat and explore the Chesapeake Bay’s rich maritime heritage. Discover local wildlife, hands-on sailing, and stories of St. Michaels’ past while learning about the Bay’s ecology and conservation.
- The image depicts a classic sailboat with a large, triangular white sail traversing a calm body of water on a clear day. The boat has a wooden mast and a white hull with a couple of people visible on board, one of whom is holding an American flag. In the background, a marina is visible with several docked boats, both sail and motor types. The shoreline is lined with lush green trees and several buildings with red roofs, suggesting a small coastal town. The sky is partly cloudy with a gentle blue hue.
Discover the Seaford Museum, a hidden gem in downtown Seaford, Delaware. Just steps from the Nanticoke River, this award-winning museum showcases the region’s rich history, from Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad connections to its maritime legacy. Explore interactive exhibits on shipbuilding and oyster shucking. After your visit, enjoy a scenic stroll along the River Walk, where Seaford’s waterfront industry stories come to life!
- The image depicts the entrance of the Seaford Museum, housed in a red brick building. The building features a set of stone steps leading up to a wooden door with an arched glass window above it. On either side of the entrance, there are large rectangular windows with white frames. Flanking the entrance are black railing and two lantern-style wall lights mounted on the brick walls. A manicured garden with green shrubs and vibrant orange lilies is situated in the foreground. To the right of the steps, a red sign with gold lettering reads “Seaford Museum.” Additionally, a blue mailbox is visible on the right side of the image. A large signboard is present near the steps, displaying images and text.
Smallwood State Park, along a tributary of the Potomac River, offers a unique mix of historical significance and modern-day boating conveniences.
The first church in Annapolis, St. Anne’s Church was founded in 1692. The current church, the third structure for the congregation, was built on the Church Circle site in 1859.
- To the west of State Circle is a slightly smaller circle with a red brick building in the center. The building, surrounded by a grass lawn with trees and a wrought iron fence, is an Episcopal church constructed in the mid-1800s. Called Church Circle, this traffic roundabout has traffic lights at the end of streets, which have mostly commercial properties in historic buildings along them. The sidewalk of the interior and exterior of the Church Circle is red brick, and there are some black streetlights modeled to look like gas lamps.
Discover the St Clement’s Island Museum where Maryland's founding story comes to life. Explore exhibits that highlight the rich history of the Piscataway People and early settlers. Stand on the historic island where the first English settlers landed in 1634, accessible by water taxi. Experience the beauty of the Potomac River and immerse yourself in the culture that shaped the Chesapeake Bay. Don’t miss the chance to learn and explore this unique site in St. Mary’s County.
- The image shows a scenic view of St. Clement's Island Museum, situated near a waterfront. The main building is centrally located with a light blue exterior and a grey roof, featuring a wraparound porch and surrounded by well-maintained lawns. In the foreground, a stone-covered shoreline borders the water, with a wooden pier extending into the water. Flags on poles are visible near the museum, adding a touch of color with red and blue tones. A small statue can be seen in a garden area to the left, surrounded by a low wooden fence. The background features lush green trees under a clear blue sky, enhancing the tranquil setting.
St. John’s College is one of the oldest educational institutions in our country. Founded in 1696, the school today boasts small class sizes, seminar-style teaching, and discussion-based learning. Wander the brick sidewalks, explore the variety of architecture, and enjoy great works of art at the Mitchell Art Museum, located on campus.
- The green expanse of lawn surrounded by red brick buildings is one of the main campus areas of St. John’s College, a small liberal arts college situated in downtown Annapolis. There are walkways crossing the lawn in multiple directions, and some lawn furniture set out for students to use. There are a number of trees on the lawn, and buildings surrounding the lawn include the library and academic buildings. On the edge of the grass closest to College Avenue to the Southeast, there is a replica of the Liberty Bell. Residential properties make up most of the homes on the streets around the lawn area.
In 1822, Saint Mary’s, the first Roman Catholic church in Annapolis, was built on this Carroll property. The current Gothic Revival church was built around 1860. The brick home on Spa Creek is the birthplace of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- Further south down Duke of Gloucester Street, there is a Catholic Church made of red brick, and another large building that was once owned by a Maryland Signer of the Declaration of Independence. A road leads from Duke of Gloucester behind the church to a parking lot. A high school is attached to the church, but the buildings are not all visible from the street.
Explore the Lock House Museum, a historic gem on the National Register of Historic Places, where the Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal’s story unfolds. Discover exhibits, including a working lock model and period-furnished rooms that bring 19th-century life to life. Step outside to walk the scenic Joe K Trail or cross the replica swing bridge, connecting you to the beautiful waterfront. Visit today and uncover the rich heritage of the Chesapeake Bay region.
- The image depicts the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House, featuring a vivid red two-story brick building with white trim and shutters. The structure includes a covered front porch supported by columns. To the left of the building, there is a wooden footbridge with metal railings crossing a narrow canal, lined with stone. The landscape is lush, with well-maintained green grass and tall trees in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Discover the historic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark in the Chesapeake Bay. This restored offshore beacon offers engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and stunning views. Travel by boat to explore its maritime history and the vital role of lighthouses in navigation. Don’t miss the chance to experience the Bay’s rich stories and enjoy the beautiful surrounding area!
- The image shows the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, a historic screw-pile lighthouse in Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse has a hexagonal structure, painted white with a red roof. It is elevated above the water on metal stilts. Surrounding the structure is a broad white balcony with green shutters visible on the building's sides. The lighthouse features a central tower with black equipment atop it. Adjacent to the lighthouse are robust rock formations and a small wooden pier extending into the water. The sky above is adorned with sweeping formations of pink and orange clouds, contrasting against a backdrop of soft purples and blues.
The United States Naval Academy was founded in 1845. The Naval School was created to provide a place for the proper education of naval officers, and with an initial class of 50 midshipmen. In 1850, the school was officially renamed the United States Naval Academy. Today, the Naval Academy is home to more than 4,000 midshipmen preparing to become professional officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Visitors can explore the grounds, visitor’s center, chapel, and museum.
- At the end of Craig Street where it meets Prince George Street, there is a wall of tan brick with wrought iron fencing. The Commodore John Barry Gate, also known as Gate One, leads into the United States Naval Academy. The archway above the gate reads BARRY with two decorative stars and there are letters attached to the wall on the right side with John Barry’s name and United States Naval Academy. On the left side wall there is a dark gray seal of the USNA attached to the wall. Buildings are visible behind the wall, and there are residential and commercial properties along both Craig Street and Prince George Street in all directions. Ego Alley can be seen at the other end of Craig Street.
Cruise from Annapolis Harbor and walk historic streets with Watermark. Discover Chesapeake Bay traditions, colonial history, and environmental stewardship through expert-guided tours by land and water.
- The image shows a tour boat and the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse on a body of water. The lighthouse is in the foreground on the right side, featuring a distinctive hexagonal shape with a red roof and white railings. The structure is elevated on red stilts above the water. The tour boat is on the left side, featuring a modern, two-level design with a white hull and large windows bordered in black. The water is calm with slight ripples, and the sky is overcast, suggesting a cloudy day.
Explore Baltimore’s waterfront history with Watermark. Cruise the Inner Harbor, and learn how the Chesapeake Bay shaped Baltimore’s commerce, shipbuilding, immigration, and environmental renewal.
- The image depicts a red and white sightseeing boat, the Annapolitan II, on the water near the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The boat is medium sized with two decks. Several passengers are on the upper deck, enjoying the scenic view. The top deck is covered by a red-framed canopy. An American flag and a Maryland state flag fly at the stern of the boat. In the background, the historic fort appears with brick buildings surrounded by grassy earthworks. Behind the fort, there is a city skyline with several modern buildings. Transcribed Text: INNER HARBOR SIGHTSEEING CRUISES ANNAPOLITAN II Annapolis, MD Watermark
Home to one of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence, the William Paca House and Garden is a National Historic Landmark. Perfect for history buffs, garden enthusiasts, and families, this historic house museum is open to the public and offers guided tours and educational programs.
- Halfway up Prince George Street is a large five part Georgian mansion made of red brick. The building has stairs up to the front door and a ramp far to the right side by a driveway. The house, known as the Paca House, was owned by one of the four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence, and is currently a house museum operated by Historic Annapolis. The sidewalk on either side of Prince George Street is also red brick, with some uneven places, especially where tree roots have grown. Facing Paca House, the front wall and most of the front exterior can be seen, although there are trees on the front walkway area that partially block the view. On the other side of the street are a number of residential properties, many of which were built during colonial and post-colonial times and retain many period features.
Woodend Nature Sanctuary offers 40 acres of restored forests, meadows, and streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features nature trails, interactive exhibits, a nature playground and an historic mansion. Visitors can explore diverse habitats, learn about conservation efforts, and experience the connections between people and nature. Engaging signage and hands-on programs make it a welcoming destination for all ages.
- The image shows a group of children and adults gathered on a wooden deck overlooking a small pond surrounded by lush greenery. The pond has multiple lily pads floating on its surface and a few tall plants growing near the edges. The wooden deck is slightly elevated and bordered with a railing. Children are seated or leaning against the railing, some intently looking at the pond below. An adult is standing among them, interacting with the group. On the left side of the image, another adult crouches near the water, seemingly examining something in the pond. The background is filled with dense, green foliage from various trees, creating a serene natural setting.
