The historic areas of Annapolis are centered on Maryland Avenue and State Circle. In laying out the town in 1696, Governor Francis Nicholson chose the highest point in the city for the State House. Ringed by State Circle, the State House is the focal point of Annapolis. It is also the oldest capitol in the country still in continuous legislative use.

During the eighteenth century, Maryland Avenue became the most fashionable residential street of the city. It was along the Avenue that Thomas Bordley, Samuel Chase, and Matthias Hammond built their great mansions.

When the United States Naval Academy was founded in 1845, Maryland Avenue served as the entry way to the main gate. Today it provides immediate access to the Chapel, Museum, Bancroft Hall, and the academic buildings.

Both the Circle and Avenue have been commercial areas from the earliest days of the city. For over a century the city market was on the State House grounds. Maryland Avenue was once home for the YMCA, Opera House, and Post Office.

Now the Circle and Avenue are beloved by devoted locals and knowledgeable visitors for their quality shops and personal service. Maryland Avenue and State Circle are rightfully proud of their position as a "living history of American shopkeeping" and are one of the last bastions of the small, independent, quality specialty shop