The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1866-03-03
Communicated.
Letter From Annapolis.

ANNAPOLIS, Feb. 9th, 1866
MeSsrS. Editors Neither historians nor letter
writer's have ever done justice to Annapolis
The term 'ancient city" has been applied to the
beautiful capital of our State as stigma, and an
impression has gone abroad that it is q dull, dir
ty, decaying collection of old buildings, the
failing remnants ofan age whose glories have long
since been eclipsed by more modern institutions.
The citizens have been represented as buried in
a Rip Van Wrinkle sleep, from which even the
shock of war could not arouse them, and the
feeble channels of trade, it was thought, were
kept open only by the State and national patron
age.
1t gives us pleasure to say that public repute
does great injustice to Annapolis, and that it has
not only one of the most beautiful and advanta-
geous situations on our coast, but has within it
the elements of prosperity and wealth, independ-
ent of any governmental favors. Built on q
neck Of land projecting into the Severn River,
within a few miles of the noble Chesapeake, II
has harbor unsurpassed for capacity and safety.
On its heaving bosom the heaviest vessels can
float with ease, and when other ports are sealed
with ice, Annapolis still has an open channel to
the sea- 1t is thirty miles from Baltimore by
water, forty by rail and about the same distance
from Washington. Its convenience of access,
the beauty Of the surrounding scenery and the
courtly hospitality of its people, ought to make
it most desirable place Of residence. Business
seems to be reviving aud spirit of enterprise
springing up among the people. New buildings
are going up, and some property is changing
hands. The permanent return of the Naval
Academy and the re-opening OF ST. johns Col
lege, are both events favorable to Annapolis and
with liberal policy on the part of the authori-
ties, in identifying and perfecting the city, and
generous spirit on the part of the citizens and
freeholders, there is no reason why the ancient
city" should not become rapidly moderated,
and made one Of the most attractive places In the
country.
Annapolis was so named in 1908, in honor of
Queen Ann, then the reigning monarch OF Eng
land AS early as 1926 printing press was es-
tablished in the city, for printing the laws and
public documents which previously had been
printed at Philadelphia by VIM. Bradford. On
the 9th Of Jan. l745, James Green issued the
first number Of the g Maryland Gazette, }" at An
napolis which was long the only paper publish
ed in the colony This paper was issued by the
descendants of its founder until 1899.
According to McMakins " annals, !" Annapo-
lis was for long time Z" The Athens OF America
the seat of learning, wealth and refinement. It's
high character in ancient times is still shown in
the magniicence of its venerable buildings, bear
ing the marks of age, but still grand and SUD-
stantial, displaying in their elaborate decorations
and solid comforts the taste and resources OF their
original owners.
The most prominent building in the city. is the
State House. 1t stands on beautiful eminence
near the centre of the city, and is the admiration
of the beholder not only on account ofthe beauty
and symmetry of it's structure, but also on &C
count of the historic memories connected with it.
The main building is Of brick, surmounted by a
beautiful dome of wood. 1t is lighted through
ont with gas and heated by steam. The height
from the base to the top of the spire Is 200 feet
From the platform OF the dome, which is 1875 feet
high, panorama is presented to the spectator
unsurpassed for grandeur and beauty.