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History

Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland, boasts a rich and layered history that dates back to the 17th century. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Algonquin-speaking tribes, the area that would become Annapolis first saw European settlement in the mid-1600s. The city was officially established in 1649 when a group of Puritans seeking religious freedom settled in the area, calling it "Providence." In 1694, the settlement was renamed Annapolis in honor of Princess Anne, who would later become Queen Anne of Great Britain. This renaming marked Annapolis's burgeoning importance as a cultural and political hub.

During the colonial period, Annapolis became a significant center for commerce, government, and education. The city served as the temporary capital of the United States from 1783 to 1784, hosting the Continental Congress and witnessing the historic resignation of General George Washington as commander of the Continental Army. The Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the Revolutionary War, was also ratified in Annapolis in 1784. These events cemented the city's place in American history as a cradle of independence and democracy.