Maryland State House

The oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, this Annapolis landmark also briefly served as the capitol of the United States. From 1783 to 1784 the Continental Congress met here, and it was in the Old Senate Chamber that George Washington resigned his commission as commander of the army. Completed in 1779, it is topped by the largest wooden dome in the country built without nails. Visitors can tour the historic chambers and see exhibits on the founding era, with the brick building anchoring the compact colonial streets of the city.