16 MARYLAND MANUAL.

In 1845, the United States Naval Academy was located
at Annapolis. It is claimed that the first free school in
America, the first building erected to the dramatic art, and
the first union of Federal and Confederate soldiers to deco-
rate the graves of their common dead, were at Annapolis.
The last event took place in May, 1883.

In addition to the Governor and Secretary of State the
following State officers are located in Annapolis: Comp-
troller, Treasurer, Commissioner of the Land office, Tax
Commissioner and Commander of the State Fishery Force.

THE STATE HOUSE.

The first State House built at Annapolis was erected in
1696. It was burnt down in 1704.

The second State House was erected in 1704. This
remained until 1772, when it was pulled down to make
room for the present edifice.

The building of this, the third State House, or. the same
site of the two preceding ones, was commenced in 1772,
but the dome was not finished until after the Revolution.

This building is greatly admired for its fine architectural
proportions, its commanding site and lofty dome, but its
chief attraction is its historic associations; in it and on its
site the freemen of Maryland have always maintained their
rights; here the Father of his Country returned his mili-
tary commission to his countrymen; here the treaty of
peace with Great Britain, that made us thirteen free and
independent colonies was ratified; and here, tradition tells,
the first conference of States was held that led to the adop-
tion of the Constitution and the formation of a more
perfect union of States.