USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > Annapolis > The history of Annapolis, the capital of Maryland: the state house, its various public buildings together with a full history and description of the United States Naval Academy from its origin to the present time > Part 2
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On each side of the edifice were commodious kitchens, car- riage-houses and stables, with spacious lots. Towards the water the building rose in the middle in a turreted shape. It stood detached from other structures, and was at the time it was permitted to stand a delightful and suitable mansion for the residence of the Chief Magistrate of our State. During the year 1869 the United States Government purchased from the State of Maryland, at a cost of $25,000, the above described
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mansion, &c., and it is now incorporated within the area of the Naval Academy, and is used as a library and lyceum, and as offices for the Superintendent and Secretary of the Academy, one room being used for meetings of the Academic Board.
THE NEW GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Is about two hundred yards west of the State Capitol. It is a magnificent mansion, supplied with all modern improvements, centrally located, and was erected in 1869 at a cost of nearly two hundred thousand dollars. Ex-Governor Oden Bowie was the first to occupy this stately domicile.
ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE.
In 1784 the General Assembly of Maryland passed an Act for founding a college on the Western Shore, and incorporated the institution by the name of the " Visitors and Governors of St. John's College ; " and for the purpose of providing a " per- manent fund for the further encouragement and establishment of the said College, the sum of £1750 was annually and forever thereafter given and granted as a donation by the public, to the use of the said College." The Legislature also granted for the use of the institution, four acres of land (now known by the name of the College Green), and which land had been in the year 1744 conveyed by Stephen Boardley to Mr. Bladen, the then Governor of Maryland. Mr. Bladen pro- jected the present college building as a noble mansion for the residence of the Governors of Maryland. A Mr. Duff (the architect) came over from Scotland to superintend the con- struction of the building. Materials of every kind were pro- vided equal to the spirit of public liberality, and the edifice was nearly completed in a style of superior magnificence, when an unhappy contention took place between the Governor and Legislature, which increased to such a degree that at a period when a very trifling sum would have rendered it a noble resi- dence, the further prosecution of the design was discontinued, and it remained for a long time a melancholy and mouldering 3
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monument of the consequences resulting from political dis- sensions. It received the cognomen of the " Governor's Folly."
The depredations of time bad greatly injured the interior of the building, which in an unfinished state continued many years exposed to the inclemency of the weather; but the Leg- islature, actuated by sentiments which reflect the highest credit on their patriotism and wisdom, having determined to endow and found a college for the education of youth in every liberal and useful branch of science, wisely resolved to repair the damages sustained, and to apply the building to the purposes of education. The agents appointed by the Legislature for soliciting subscriptions and donations for St. John's College were the Rev. John Carroll, the Rev. Wm. Smith, and Patrick Allison, doctors of divinity, and Richard Sprigg, John Steret, and George Diggs, Esquires, with power to appoint other agents. By an Act of Assembly passed in 1785, the funds of "King William's School," which had been founded at An- napolis ever since the year 1696, were conveyed to St. John's College.
In thus establishing a seminary of learning at the seat of government, our patriots and statesmen manifested their sense of the great importance of and the happy results which would flow from an institution of this character, under the State pa- tronage, and how inseparably it was connected with the interest and happiness of our people. For years the flourishing con- dition of St. John's fully realised the most sanguine expec- tations of its noble and enlightened founders. Scholars and statesmen were sent forth from her halls who have been the pride of her own and the admiration of other States, and who have earned for themselves the highest reputation and reflected honor on their Alma Mater. But alas! this noble and effi- cient monument of the wisdom of our progenitors was but too soon to meet a sad reverse of fortune; for as early as the year 1805 we find that political discord, that horrible hydra with its hundred heads, reared its crest against this institution, and by an Act of the Legislature in that year the funds of the college were withdrawn. This paralysed its energies and re-
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duced it to a languishing condition, in which posture it re- mained until 1811, when the Legislature, partially awakened to a sense of duty and justice to the cause of education, granted $1000 annually, and again in 1821 granted to its Visitors and Governors a scheme of a lottery by which was added to its permanent funds twenty thousand dollars.
In 1831, when the efforts of its Visitors and Governors were crowned with success in obtaining the services of its then able Principal, Rev. Hector Humphreys, D. D., long since deceased, a still brighter prospect dawned upon this old and favored institution of the State. By the united and un- ceasing exertions of the then Faculty, Visitors and Governors of the institution, it was again placed in a prosperous condition.
The efforts thus made to revive this venerable seminary of learning could not but attract the further attention of our Legislature. In 1833 the State came nobly to the rescue of good old St. John's, and passed an Act of compromise, by which $2000 per annum, in addition to former grants, were secured to the college forever, and which the Visitors and Governors accepted in full of their legal and equitable claims ; and a deed of release, enjoined by the provisions of the Act, was executed and entered upon the records of the Court of Appeals.
At a meeting of the Board of the Visitors and Governors of the College, held on the 15th February, 1834, the Princi- pal was authorised and requested to collect subscriptions, to be applied to the erection of suitable buildings for the accommo- dation of students, and for the improving and extending the library and the philosophical apparatus of the institution. For the purpose of carrying this object into effect, the Princi- pal visited several parts of the State, and succeeded in obtain- ing a subscription of more than twelve thousand dollars, from the proceeds of which has been erected a beautiful edifice, finished in a style of elegance that reflects great credit upon its projectors.
St. John's College stands on an eminence at the termination of Prince George Street, and is a four-storied structure, in-
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- cluding the basement. This building, as also the others which form a part of the College, were used during the late war as hospitals for the Federal army stationed at this point, since which time they have undergone thorough repairs. A more delightful situation was never appropriated than this for its purposes. It is situated on the banks of the Severn, within the limits of the city, commanding in every point of view the most interesting and beautiful objects. The adjacent country is open and healthy ; the contiguous grounds are sufficiently extensive for the advantages of exercise and amusement; and the fabric contains a variety of spacious and convenient apart- ments for the accommodation of the professors and students.
The peculiar advantages to youth in being educated at this seminary are numerous and evident. With respect to health, as far as a high and dry soil with pure air will contribute to its preservation, or restore it when impaired, few places can be put in competition with, and none can excel it. The sessions of the General Assembly and the meetings of the Court of Appeals and the Circuit Court, are so obviously beneficial to those young men who may be called to the public service, or enter into the profession of the law, that no parent, especially a citizen of our State, should hesitate a moment to send his son whom he desires to become eminent in any of the professions, to a place where he is the most likely to acquire those quali- fications which will render him useful and distinguished as a statesman, or afford him the greatest chance of professional im- provement. Large cities often defeat the salutary purposes of education by furnishing incitements to vice and affording op- portunities of concealment. Annapolis is happily free from these objections ; and the discipline of this institution is such as to prevent the student from deviating from the path of rec- titude, even if so inclined. The forming of manners, so es- sential to those who are intended for any public or private pursuit, will keep pace with the improvement of the intellect, and a youth when qualified to enter on the scene of action will be enabled to perform his part with ease to himself and sat- isfaction to the observer. If all the advantages mentioned are
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united in this institution, and which it is presumed no one will dispute, why, we may inquire, should the citizens of Maryland send their sons abroad to other seminaries, instead of patron- ising an institution of their own ? - an institution, we will venture to assert, that has sent forth to the world a constant and regular supply of alumni who, by their talents at the bar, in the sacred desk, and in our legislative halls, have proved themselves inferior to none from any other seminary in the Union.
The College Green in the Revolutionary War was used as the encampment of the French army, and also by the American troops assembled in the war of 1812. Traces of these en- campments still remain, and render it an object of touching interest. Parts of it exhibit mounds raised to those who died in service ; and though "no storied urn " designates the spot where the remains of any distinguished warrior repose, all being indiscriminately inhumed, yet the interest of their fate is un- diminished by this circumstance when we reflect that they died in the same glorious cause.
On the grounds east of the College stands a large forest poplar or "American tulip tree," the age of which is not known. It is highly probable that it formed a part of the forest which was growing when Annapolis was first settled by the Puritans in 1649. This tree has been commemorated in verse by a distinguished graduate of St. John's (the lamented Dr. John Shaw, who was a native of our city), and is held to this day in great veneration by our citizens. Some time about the year 1839 it was accidentally set on fire. The occurrence excited as much interest in, and exertion on the part of our inhabitants to extinguish it, and save the old favorite tree from destruction, as if it had been one of the finest buildings of the city. It was truly gratifying to see the interest elicited and the delight manifested by many when the progress of the fire was arrested.
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HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS.
ST. ANNE'S CHURCHI.
The present St. Anne's Church is the third building on the same site. It stands about two hundred yards west of the State House. The first church was built there about the year 1696, and was taken down to make room for the second. That was begun in 1774, and finished in the year 1792. On the 24th November of that year the building was consecrated by Bishop Claggett.
This second church building was burned in the year 1858. The fire took from some defects in the arrangement of the furnace. A fine, large bell presented to the parish by Queen Anne was destroyed with this building. Mementoes of this bell are still preserved by some of our citizens in the shape of trinkets made of the metal found among the ruins. The silver communion-vessels given to the parish were preserved, and are still in use in the church. The service consists of seven pieces, on each of which the monogram and arms of King William III. are engraved.
The present edifice was built some twelve years ago under the rectorship of Rev. J. R. Davenport, now of New York. The tower encloses in its walls a portion of that of the old church built of bricks imported from England. The interior is divided by large solid stone pillars into nave and aisles. There is a deep apsidal chancel, with six clergy stalls, organ, and abundant space for choir seats. It has a richly carved altar of gray stone, and the floor of the sanctuary is laid in pattern with enamelled tiles. There are 134 pews, of which 25 are free. The building will seat some 800 persons, and is. enclosed by a neat and substantial iron railing. Within this enclosure are several sculptured tombs, which contain the remains of the Tasker family. There is also a monument erected in memory of some of the members of the Carroll family.
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Is a large and handsome structure, and is situated on the Duke of Gloucester Street, on grounds donated to the church by the
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venerable and generous Charles Carroll of Carrollton during his lifetime. It has not been erected many years, and its ap- pearance both internally and externally displays great taste and judgment. The interior especially is very handsome and appropriate, and the general arrangement is convenient and comfortable. Connected with this church is St. Mary's College of the Redemptorists. This Society was established at An- napolis in 1853, under the auspices of the Rev. Gabriel Rumpler. An addition to this college was built in 1859, when the very Rev. Michael Müller was Rector of St. Mary's Church.
This institution is one of three through which candidates desiring to become missionary priests of the Society have to pass. The first is St. James College, Eager and Aisquith streets, Baltimore, where the candidates remain about six years ; they are then sent to Annapolis, where, according to their intel- lectual abilities, they stay from two to four years; afterwards they go to St. Clement's College, Ilchester, Howard county, Maryland, where they continue their studies for five or six more years. After their promotion to the priesthood they return to Annapolis for a six months' trial and course of in- struction in pastoral duties.
THE METHODIST CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal Church, first charge, is situated on the north side of the State House circle. It is a large, com- modious and handsome building, with basement and vestibule, and has adjoining it a brick parsonage for the minister in charge. It was erected in the year 1859.
The second charge was built in 1870, and is situated on Maryland Avenue, a short distance from the Post Office. It is a one-story building, and is designated as Wesleyan Chapel. Its interior is, like the outside, plain but becomingly neat, and is capable of accommodating some four hundred persons.
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THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Is located on the southwest side of Gloucester Street, and was erected some twenty-five years since. It is a plain but neat building, and is capable of accommodating some three hundred persons. The basement of this edifice is occupied by the Female Grammar School.
THE BANKS. 1
The Farmers' National Bank is situated at the corner of West Street, fronting the Church circle. It consists of one story, and is of singular form externally, though the in- terior, particularly the banking room, is well calculated for the purposes for which it is intended.
The First National Bank is located on the corner of Main and Gloucester Streets, and also fronts the Church circle, and adjoining the Maryland Hotel. It may be truly said of these institutions that they have ever been and still are considered as sound and as safe as any other banking establishments in this country.
THE COURT HOUSE
Is quite a modern edifice, and stands on the southwest of the Church circle. As you enter there is a spacious hall, on each side of which are two commodious offices. The one on the right hand is occupied by the Register of Wills, the other by the Clerk of the County, and at the end of the hall is the Court Room. This is a fine spacious room, and well suited to the purposes to which it is appropriated. On the second floor are the Orphans' Court Room, the Sheriff's Office, Surveyor's Office, Jury Rooms, and a room used by the Commissioners of the County. The front roof of the building, compared with the rear, exhibits the appearance of wings. It is enclosed by a substantial wall surmounted by a neat iron railing, and is lighted by gas and supplied with water.
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THE CITY HOTEL
Stands at the corner of Main and Conduit Streets, and has been in the occupancy of a number of individuals since its estab- lishment as such. The old building, as it is termed, originally belonged to and was occupied by Mr. Lloyd Dulany as his residence. It is two stories high ; the new building is three, and a large building of three stories has recently been added, extending back to the Duke of Gloucester Street. The present worthy and enterprising proprietor has added greatly to its appearance and comfort. This structure with its appendages covers a large space of ground. It is an excellent estab- lishment, and in every respect well calculated for the com- fortable accommodation of travellers and others who make it a place of abode or resort. The rooms are large and airy, the table constantly supplied with all the delicacies of the season, and a corps of obliging and honest waiters always in attendance.
THE MARYLAND HOTEL.
This establishment is of recent origin, its existence only dating back some three years. It is a very commodious, beau- tiful and comfortable structure, and built according to modern architecture and with an eye to its convenience and central location. It is situated at the head of Main Street, and near the Church circle, and within a short distance of the Depot. It is an incorporated institution, and since it has been in operation has received a share of public patronage.
THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS
Are on the Duke of Gloucester Street, and is a spacious edifice. It was built since the late war on the site of the " Old Ball Room," which was used a portion of that period as a Provost-Marshal's Office and Guard House, and from means awarded by the General Government to the city for its use and occupation. Its main room is large and of elegant con- struction, aud when illuminated shows to great advantage. It 4
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contains several apartments, which are rented out for balls, con- certs, lectures, public meetings, &c. A room is set apart as the place of meeting for the corporate authorities of the city. In the basement is the Office of the City Police and Watch- House.
THE POST OFFICE
Is situated at the corner of State House Circle and Mary- land Avenue, occupying a portion of the first story of Tem- perance Hall.
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CHAPTER III.
THE NAVAL ACADEMY.
Front entrance,-termination of Maryland Avenue.
THE NAVAL ACADEMY - Its Foundation - The Academy Grounds - Cemetery and Park - Public Garden - Buildings, &c .- New Mid- shipmen's Quarters - Water Supply - Monuments - The Library -- Storekeeper's Department - Mess Arrangements, &c .- Baths, Barber Shop, Laundry- Band - Hops and Balls - Boat and Ball Clubs, &c. - Evening Parades - Marine Corps - The Daguerrean Gallery - Department of Steam Enginery - Memorial Tablets.
In the year 1845, it being found desirable to establish a per- manent institution for the instruction of midshipmen in the United States Navy, a board, of which Commodore Isaac Mayo, U. S. Navy, was President, was ordered by the Hon. George Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy, to select a site for a Naval School.
After examining various localities, Annapolis was chosen as being the most eligible place.
On the 10th of October 1845 the school was formally opened by Commander Franklin Buchanan, with the following named officers as Instructors, viz: Lieut. James H. Ward, U. S. N., Professors Henry H. Lockwood, William Chau- venet, and Arsene N. Girault ; Surgeon, John A. Lockwood; Chaplain, George Jones, and Passed Midshipman Samuel Marcy. These officers constituted the first " Academic Board."
The following departments were at once organised, viz :
Department of Gunnery and Steam. . Lieutenant Ward.
" Mathematics, Navigation, &c .. . . Prof. Chauvenet.
" Natural and Experimental Philosophy .. Prof. Lockwood.
" Chemistry ... . Surgeon Lockwood.
" History and English studies Chaplain Jones.
" French and Spanish Prof. Girault.
Infantry tactics was also practically taught by Prof. Lock- wood. Past Midshipman Marcy was assigned to the de- partment of Mathematics as an assistant.
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- All candidates for admission to the grade of midshipman were, after this date, sent to the Naval School to be examined by the Academic Board, and if found qualified, were admitted on probation, receiving from the Secretary of the Navy acting appointments as midshipmen. These constituted the " Junior Class," and remained at the school under instruction until the Navy Department required their services at sea.
The " Senior Class " was composed of midshipmen who, hav- ing seen sufficient sca service to entitle them to it, were pre- paring for their final examination for promotion.
Occasionally other midshipmen were, between their cruises, sent to the "school " for short periods. These were assigned to the Senior or Junior class according as they were qualified.
The regular term of the Senior Class was one academic year of nine months; and as the course of study was to many but a review of branches that they had studied at sea, a very con- siderable amount of ground was gone over by the higher sec- tions, and a not inconsiderable amount by the lower. The academic year commenced in October, and terminated in June, when the final examination of the Senior Class took place.
A Board of five Captains and Commanders was each June convened, who conducted the examination in seamanship; and after combining the results of this examination with that in academic branches by the Academic Board, assigned numbers, or, in other words, the " order of merit " to the class, and con- ferred the " passing certificates." The same officers also acted as a "Board of Visitors," to witness the examination of the Junior Class, and to examine into and report upon the discip- line and general condition of the institution.
The Midshipmen of the date of 1840 were the first who were graduated at the Naval School, finishing their course in June 1846, and were followed in regular succession by the sub- sequent dates until the change to the four years' course. The date of 1841 being very large, was divided into three classes, who came in successive years, the last division being graduated in 1849; the date of 1842 were graduated with them, but classed separately. There were no appointments made in 1843
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and 1844, and the date of 1845 followed the last division of the '41's and '42's.
In 1850 a board consisting of Commodore W. B. Shubrick, Commander F. Buchanan, Commander S. F. Dupont, Com- mander George P. Upshur, Surgeon W. S. W. Ruschenberger, and Professor William Chauvenet, and General Brewerton, then Superintendent of the Military Academy at West Point, as a consulting member, was convened by the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, and under a code of regulations prepared by them the Naval School was, on the first day of July of that year, erected into the
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY.
Commander (now Rear Admiral) Cornelius K. Stribling was the first Superintendent under the new régime, relieving Commander Upshur, who had held the command since March 1847.
In November of the following year (1851) the four years' course was adopted, under a revision of the regulations, made by the Academic Board, and approved by the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, the date of 1851 being the first to come under the new system ; a portion of this date were advanced, and six members of it accomplished the course in three years. The modified course was still retained for previous dates, that of 1850 being graduated in 1856.
In November 1853 Captain Stribling was relieved by Com- mander (now. Rear-Admiral) Louis M. Goldsborough, who in turn was relieved in September 1857 by Captain (now Com- modore) George S. Blake, since deceased.
' In May 1861, in consequence of the breaking out of the rebellion, it was found necessary to remove the Academy to Newport, R. I. The midshipmen were accordingly embarked on board the School-Ship Constitution, Lieutenant-Command- ing George W. Rodgers, and sent to that point. The steamer Baltic was employed to transport the officers and others with their families ; the library and such other movable property,
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-&c., of the Academy, as it was thought advisable and necessary to remove. The first class was graduated without examination, a portion of them having been detached before the removal of the Academy from Annapolis, and upon its arrival at Newport the remainder of the first, and all of the second and third classes, were detached and ordered to sea duty. Fort Adams was as- signed to the use of the Academy by the War Department, but was found entirely uusuited to the purpose. The mid- shipmen were therefore quartered on board the Constitution for the summer, and in September the Atlantic Hotel, a large and commodious building, was hired, fitted up for the purpose, and used as quarters until the return of the Academy to Annapo- lis. The two school-ships Santee and Constitution were moored alongside the wharf upon Goat Island in the harbor, and the fourth class and also the third were quartered on board of them.
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