Annapolis: Beyond Navy Duty's Call

usfman

Jun 23

When distant military drums call me to visit a historic town like Annapolis, what paths excite me along the way?

The massive "yard complex" of the United States Naval Academy abuts the compact center of "Old Town" in historic Annapolis Maryland. So, I considered it fun to just amble from our parking lot along those narrow town streets by Old State House Circle, several historic pubs, a town history museum, the independent book store and a plethora of antique shops to the academy on foot to recapture the authentic "air" of Early American colonial times. But such an "air" of quaint living conditions in this town center that once functioned as America's first National Capitol from 1783-1784 could be deceiving. For upon taking a peek through a well fortified gate allowing secure access to the Naval Academy, I suddenly realized how difficult a task the remainder of today's journey would likely be in attempting to sightsee entirely around this visually sprawling maze of military buildings.

But in accordance with the popular Navy spirit of "Anchors Away", signifying the courageous act of moving forward into the unknown that inspiring motto likewise called for us to proceed wisely into these arduous looking surroundings with a more limited morning tour than previously planned. That meant allotting two hours maximum today at the Armel - Leftwich Visitor Center where we would (1) watch an introductory film explaining the arduous task of Midshipmen cadet training, (2) peruse some impressive statues, paintings, and other artifacts exemplifying those high standards of historic Naval commitment and (3) take a picturesque walk outside the building along the river path facing Chesapeake Bay. So overall, I can say I'm very impressed with our brief introduction to this United States Navy home yet in all honesty my "history buff" mentality has driven me to prioritize seeing more of Old Annapolis town. So why wait until a future road trip to do this? We could just spend tomorrow morning for a second town visit and enjoy a brief tour of the Museum of Historic Annapolis. Enjoy the photos.