MARYLAND STATE - Annapolis, Maryland, a city renowned for its maritime heritage, colonial architecture, and status as the state capital, has a history that's reflected not only in its buildings and streets but also in its very name. Before it became known as Annapolis, this vibrant city on the Severn River underwent several name changes, each reflecting a shift in power, influence, and the evolving identity of the settlement.
From Providence to Annapolis: Evolving Names and Enduring Legacy of Maryland's Capital
This article explores the journey of Annapolis's names – from Providence to Anne Arundel's Towne to its final designation – revealing the historical context behind each transformation.
Providence: A Haven for Religious Dissenters (1649)
The story of Annapolis begins in 1649 with a group of Puritan exiles seeking refuge from religious persecution in Virginia. These settlers, arriving from England, established a community on the Severn River and named it "Providence," reflecting their belief in divine guidance and protection, as documented by the Maryland State Archives and historical accounts of early Maryland settlements. This initial name reflects the religious motivations that drove many early colonists to the New World.
Anne Arundel's Towne: Honoring a Noblewoman
The settlement's name changed to "Anne Arundel's Towne" (sometimes spelled Annarundell Towne). This name honored Lady Anne Arundell, the wife of Cecilius Calvert, the 2nd Lord Baltimore, who held the proprietary charter for the Maryland colony. Naming the settlement after her was a gesture of respect and a reflection of the Calvert family's authority over the region, as detailed in colonial records and biographies of the Calvert family. It was during this time period, that it became a center for social and intellectual life.
Annapolis: A Royal Designation (1695)
The final and enduring name change came in 1695, under the leadership of Royal Governor Sir Francis Nicholson. Nicholson, appointed by the English Crown after Maryland became a royal colony, renamed the town "Annapolis" in honor of Princess Anne, who was then the heir to the British throne (and would later become Queen Anne), as recorded in colonial legislative records and historical accounts of Annapolis. This renaming reflected a shift in power from the proprietary Calvert family to direct royal control.
From Town to City: Queen Anne's Charter (1708)
Annapolis's status was further elevated in 1708. Queen Anne, who had ascended to the throne in 1702, granted Annapolis a royal charter, officially incorporating it as a city, as documented in the city's charter and historical archives. This charter provided Annapolis with a framework for self-governance and marked a significant milestone in its development.
A Capital City: Annapolis's Enduring Role
Annapolis's strategic location and growing importance led to its designation as the capital of Maryland. It served as the capital of the colony beginning in 1695, and has been ever since. It even briefly served as the first peacetime capital of the United States from 1783 to 1784, hosting the Continental Congress and witnessing the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the Revolutionary War. The Annapolis Convention of 1786, held in the city, was a precursor to the Constitutional Convention, demonstrating Annapolis's pivotal role in the formation of the United States government.
The evolution of Annapolis's name – from Providence to Anne Arundel's Towne to Annapolis – reflects the changing political landscape and key figures that shaped the city's early history. From its origins as a haven for religious dissenters to its role as a colonial capital and its enduring status as the capital of Maryland, Annapolis's story is a microcosm of American history. Exploring the city's historic streets, admiring its colonial architecture, and learning about its past is a journey through these evolving names and the enduring legacy of a city that has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.
Sources:
- Maryland State Archives
- Historical accounts of early Maryland settlements
- Biographies of the Calvert family
- Colonial legislative records
- City of Annapolis charter and historical archives
- U.S. National Archives (for records of the Continental Congress)
- Historic Annapolis Foundation
