Built c. 1772-1779, the Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous use. It was home to the Continental Congress from November 1783 to August 1784, and is the only state house to have served as the nation’s capital.
To help make your visit to the Maryland State House more enjoyable, and to provide you with an understanding of its rich and historic past, self-guided tour information is available in the Office of Interpretation on the first floor.
**Please note that security measures are in place at the State House and other state buildings. Picture ID is required for entrance and metal detectors are in operation.
Maryland State House Visitor’s Brochure
View more information on the Charles Willson Peale painting of Washington, Lafayette, and Tilghman at Yorktown which hangs in the Senate Committee Room.
Visitor Information
Tour Information
Specialized curatorial tours of the building and its artwork can be arranged by appointment by calling 410.260.6445. There is no charge for tours, but donations are encouraged to support the interpretation of the building.
Virtual Tours & Experiences
Virtual Experiences:
Take a Virtual Tour of the Maryland State House and explore three centuries of legislative history. The Department of Legislative Services has also created a 3D Virtual Tour of the State House.
Virtual Tour Join Kat Spitzer from VisitAnnapolis as she takes you on a tour of the Maryland State House, where she discovers a little history behind George Washington’s resignation as Commander in Chief:
- Field Trips
Hours of Operation
Open every day from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., except Christmas and New Years Day.
School Programs
Field Trips
Come visit the Maryland State House, a building that exhibits FOUR CENTURIES of history. Take a tour of the building’s historic rooms and chambers! The Maryland State House was the first peacetime capitol of the United States and is the only state house ever to have served as the nation’s capitol. The Continental Congress met in the Old Senate Chamber from November 26, 1783, to August 13, 1784. During that time, General George Washington came before the Congress to resign his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and the Treaty of Paris was ratified, marking the official end of the Revolutionary War. Come experience our nation’s rich history as you visit this one a kind building.