Maryland State House

Maryland State House Review

Originally constructed between 1772 and 1780, the State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use; it's also the only one in which the U.S. Congress has sat (1783-84). It was here where General George Washington resigned as commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1783 and where the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1784, ending the Revolutionary War. Both events took place in the Old Senate Chamber, which is filled with intricate woodwork (attributed to colonial architect William Buckland), including the ubiquitous tobacco motif. The Maryland Senate and House hold their sessions in two other chambers in the building. Also on the grounds is the oldest public building in Maryland, the tiny redbrick treasury, built in 1735. Note that tours are self-guided and you must have a photo ID to enter the State House.