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A visit to Government House is a visit to the rich and vibrant past that has made Maryland history so exciting. This house, the home of the Maryland Governors for 125 years, is alive with the heritage that has enriched Maryland and its people since the founding of the colony in 1634.

Government House has been the official residence of the Governors of Maryland since 1870 who have enjoyed the dignity of its public rooms and the comfort of its private quarters. It is here that the governors and their wives or official hostesses have greeted and entertained important visitors to the state. Some of these illustrious guests have included Mark Twain; Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

This is, however, much more than a residence. It has been, and continues to be, the center of the political and social life of this beautiful capital city. Government House is at the heart of Maryland history and the furnishing, paintings and other items within its walls tell the story of Maryland's rich and glorious past. Among its treasures are portraits by Charles Willson Peale, one of America's foremost portrait painters, and furnishings by Potthast, eminent Baltimore furniture makers of the 19th century. The house is also decorated with beautiful pieces from around the nation and the world.

As you see it today, Government House is a Georgian-style country house. When it was built in 1870, it was of the fashionable style of the period, a Victorian mansion with a mansard roof. Visitors to the house entered through magnificent walnut doors, carved with the Maryland coat of arms and symbols of Maryland industry and agriculture. The Victorian library now recalls the original ambience of Government House, and panels and rondels from those doors can be seen there.

This was not the first governor's residence in Annapolis. In 1733, the General Assembly authorized the purchase of land and construction of an official residence for the governor, but it was not until 1742 that Governor Thomas Bladen purchased a four-acre plot near College Creek and a dwelling was begun. Because of a dispute between Bladen and the House of Delegates, this house was never completed. After the Revolutionary War, the unfinished building was turned over to St. John's College and renamed McDowell Hall, after the college's first president.

The search for a suitable residence for the governor resulted in the acquisition of the Jennings House, which was leased by Governor Horatio Sharpe. In 1769, it was purchased by Governor Robert Eden, Maryland's last provincial governor. After his departure, the house was confiscated by the state and was used as the governor's residence for the next 90 years. In 1866, the Jennings House was sold to the U.S. Naval Academy and, in 1868, land was purchased on State Circle for a new Governor's residence. It was ready in 1870 for its first occupants, Governor Oden Bowie and his family.

In 1935-36, the conversion of Government House to its present appearance took place and, in 1947, more renovations, including cleaning, painting, and roof repairs were done. In 1987, a new skylight by Maryland craftsmen was installed and, in 1990, a fountain featuring Maryland symbols was placed in the garden.

Tours of Government House are by appointment only. Call (410) 974 3531 or write to: Government House, State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401.

For more information about Government House, e-mail: mimic@mdarchives.state.md.us or visit the Maryland State Archives online.

Banneker-Douglass Museum The Barracks Charles Carroll House Circuit Court for A.A. Co. The City Dock City Hall Hammond-Harwood House Maryland Government House Maynard-Burgess House Middleton Tavern The Naval Academy

Old Treasury Building Reynold's Tavern Shiplap House The State House St. John's College Summer Garden Theatre Walking Tours of Annapolis William Paca House Victualling Warehouse

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