Maryland State House The Maryland State House, completed in
1788, holds the distinction of being in longest continuous use
of any statehouse in the nation. The State House dome is made
completely of cypress wood and held together by wooden pegs and
hand-wrought iron bars. Inside is the room where George
Washington resigned his commission as head the Continental Army
after winning the Revolutionary War. This historic eventwas said
to be the first time a victorious revolutionary leader
voluntarily stepped down to return to a life of peace. The
Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War was also signed
here. Down the hall, todayís crop of lawmakers convenes for a
few months each year to govern the state. Free tours leave the
State House Visitorís Center (inside on the right) every half-
hour. The grounds of the State House are among the most
beautiful sites in Annapolis. Cross the street from Government
House and take the path to the left of the grand steps entering
the building. Follow the path around the buil