Annapolis Sights

  1. Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial

    At the City Dock, the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial marks the spot where Kunta Kinte - ancestor of Roots author, Alex Haley - was brought in chains from Africa. Haley won the Pulitzer Prize for his epic masterpiece, which begins with Kinte's landing. Bring along some bread to feed the ducks.

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  2. Maryland State House

    Completed in 1779, this elegant building served as home to the national congress when Annapolis was capital of the United States (1783-84) and still functions as Maryland's State parliament today. Note the giant acorn, which stands for wisdom, atop the dome: it is, rather unfortunately, upside down. Adults must show photo ID upon entry.

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  3. St John's College

    Claiming to be one of the USA's three oldest colleges in continuos use, the cluster of Gothic revival and Georgian style buildings at the heart of St John's college date back to 1696. Four of the college founders have their signatures on the Declaration of Independence.

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  4. US Naval Academy

    This is the prestigious undergraduate college of the US Navy. The visitor centre conducts tours and has interactive exhibits, but most visitors come to see the formation daily at sharp. This is when the 4000 midshipmen and midshipwomen conduct a 20-minute military marching display in the plaza around their massive dormitory - it's bracing stuff.

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  5. Woodwind Schooner

    The beautiful family-run Woodwind schooner takes two-hour hands-on cruises around Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay. Though expensive, it is possible to sleep on board the 74ft wooden schooner during summer.

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