The Details of Charles Carroll House in Annapolis, MD

The Charles Carroll House in Annapolis, Maryland, is a historic building located in the heart of downtown Annapolis. The house was built in 1775 and purchased by Charles Carroll in 1804. Charles Carroll was the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. It is currently owned by the Annapolis Historical Trust and is open to the public as a museum and historic site. Annapolis, MD can be seen at this link.

Charles Carroll was born in 1737 in Annapolis and was the eldest son of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He was educated at the Jesuit school in Flanders and then studied law at the Middle Temple in London. After returning to Maryland, he became involved in politics, serving in the Maryland House of Delegates and the Continental Congress. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and was a strong advocate of the American Revolution. After the Revolution, he served on the Maryland Council of Safety, the first Chief Justice for the state of Maryland, and was one of the first three United States senators from Maryland. Information about About the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park can be found here. 

The house was originally built for Samuel and Hannah Hammond, and typical of many Annapolis homes of the time, the house was built with a combination of conventional and exotic materials. From the traditional brick on the exterior of the building to the ceiling beams that were bound together with iron pins and the abundant use of marble for the hearth and fireplaces, the house showcases many materials that were uncommon for its time. The house was owned by several people between the Hammonds and Charles Carroll, and it underwent several additions and renovations throughout the 19th century. After Charles Carroll’s death in 1832, the house was bought by the state legislature and used as the first Washington College building. Today, the house is open to the public as a museum and a tour of the house includes a look at the historic documents and artwork owned by the Carrolls, as well as a look at the house’s unique features.

The Charles Carroll House has been preserved to reflect its history and architectural importance. It has been carefully maintained and restored to its original state and features its historical furniture, wallpaper, and carpets, along with several pieces donated by modern-day donors. The house is open to the public and offers a variety of events and educational programming, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about Charles Carroll and the history of Annapolis.

In addition to being a National Historic Landmark, the Charles Carroll House is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is managed by the Annapolis Historic Trust, which works to preserve and protect the historic building and its artifacts. Visitors to the Charles Carroll House are welcomed daily and can explore the house and its interesting features. Visitors can even perform or visit a private event. The Charles Carroll House is an important part of Annapolis’ history and remains an impressive testament to Charles Carroll and his contributions to the American Revolution. Its architectural beauty, preserved artifacts, and original looks continue to attract visitors from far and wide and provide an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the founding of the United States.