While in Annapolis for a Marc Cohn concert at Ram's Head Wednesday night, I spent the afternoon touring the Maryland State House.
The Maryland State House is the only state house still in continuous legislative use (albeit for only 90 days per year) and also the only State House to serve as the nation's capital. George Washington came before Congress here to resign his commission as Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army.
The cornerstone of the State House was laid in 1772 but the building was not completed until 1797. The dome is constructed of timber and no metal nails were used in its construction; it is held together by wooden pegs reinforced by iron straps.
