Historic tours of Annapolis via horse-drawn carriage
Historic Tours are CLOSED for the season
As you ride along the quaint and welcoming streets of Annapolis, you will experience the rich architectural past. In fact, Annapolis boasts more surviving colonial buildings than any other place in America. Founded in 1649 by a group of Virginia Puritans lured by religious tolerance, Anne Arundel Town became the capital city of proprietary Maryland in 1695 and was renamed Annapolis, in honor of Princess Anne, heiress to the English throne. By the 18th century, Annapolis was a lively cultural and social center for the Mid-Atlantic area. In fact, Annapolis has more 18th century buildings than any other city in the United States. All four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence had town homes in the city - William Paca, Thomas Stone, Samuel Chase and Charles Carroll. Their residences have all been preserved and three of the homes are open to the public. The Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol building in the United States in continuous legislative use. It served as the nation’s first peace time capitol from November 1783 to August 1784. You can still see the original Old Senate Chamber where General George Washington resigned his commission and where Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially recognizing the independence of the American colonies from Britain. St. John's College is our country's third-oldest school. St.John's includes among its illustrious alumni Francis Scott Key, author of "The Star Spangled Banner." During the Civil War, the college served as a military hospital. Another major aspect of Annapolis is the United States Naval Academy. On October 10th, 1845, through the efforts of the Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft, the Naval School was established without Congressional funding, at a 10-acre Army post named Fort Severn in Annapolis, Maryland, starting with a class of 50 midshipmen and seven professors. In 1850 the Naval School became the United States Naval Academy. Today, the Academy has grown to encompass 338 acres and a student body of 4,000 midshipmen.
While touring the beautiful tree lined streets of Annapolis, your Coachmen will point out areas of interest and offer a brief history to further enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of such a wonderful historic treasure.
Our luxurious Vis-a-Vis coaches, driven by professionally-trained and attired Coachmen, is the perfect way to pamper yourself or a loved one while exploring our 'one of a kind' city.
Something we are most proud of at Annapolis Carriage is the loving care and respect our equine family members receive. Our show quality, friendly horses will have even non-horse lovers marveling at their beauty.
Whether traveling back in time to see Annapolis as our forefathers may have seen it, proposing to your soul-mate or celebrating your special day, let Annapolis Carriage help make your journey just a little more precious. Let 'A Ride Back in Time' be part of your time to remember.
