Annapolis

Annapolis is Maryland's state capital and was founded in 1649. It also served as the U.S. capital in 1783. Maryland's state capital building is the oldest in the country and was built in 1772. It's also been home to the U.S. Naval Academy since 1845.

Annapolis commercial life is still very much centered on the historic district, although there are very active commercial and retail areas in the newer parts of the city and nearby communities. Downtown has a wide variety of shops, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses located in buildings that have been around for 100 or more years.

The second major hub of commercial activity is around the Annapolis Mall (formally known as the Westfield Shoppingtown Annapolis - but only called that by someone looking to impress the CEO of Westfield). Lots of shopping, eating, and entertainment in this area near Route 50. Nearby, the planned Annapolis Town Centre at Parole (another mouthful) will add significantly to the commercial activity in the neighborhood.

The city of Annapolis is governed by a city council consisting of a mayor and eight alderman, each representing one of the city's eight wards. Anne Arundel County is a big one, stretching from south of Annapolis all the way north to Baltimore. The county has an elected County Executive and County Council, with representatives from each of the county's seven districts.