The Maryland Inn

The Maryland Inn, located in Annapolis, Maryland, is among the oldest continuously operating hotels in the United States, dating back to 1772. Built by Thomas Hyde, a merchant and civic leader, the inn quickly became a popular destination for travelers and notable figures. Hyde managed the property until selling it in 1784, describing it as “an elegant brick house adjoining Church Circle in a dry and healthy part of the city.” It was purchased by Sarah Ball, a former manager. She reopened the inn to great local praise, continuing its legacy as a favorite spot for visitors.

The inn played an important role during the Revolutionary War and early years of the United States. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were among its notable guests, and Benjamin Franklin was known to frequent the inn for relaxation, drinks, and card games. It also hosted delegates of the 1783–1784 U.S. Congress when Annapolis was the temporary capital. During this time, Washington resigned as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army at the nearby Maryland State House. Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams are also said to have dined at the inn after the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1784.

One of the inn’s most fascinating features is the network of tunnels beneath the basement. According to legend, one tunnel connected the tavern’s wine cellar to the Maryland State House, serving as a hidden escape route for government officials. The tunnel’s exact purpose is unclear, but some say it was used for smuggling or secret meetings in the 18th and 19th centuries, adding to the inn’s mystique.

The Maryland Inn has a reputation for being haunted, with many reports of strange occurrences. Two of its most famous ghosts are Captain Charles Campbell and The Bride. Legend says Campbell, a Navy officer, died in a carriage accident as he returned to reunite with his fiancée, who then took her own life in despair. Campbell is said to haunt the basement in his naval uniform, while The Bride is believed to wander the fourth floor, leaving behind a chilling presence. Other spirits reportedly include a woman in black who is thought to have died in a fall on the staircase, unseen children giggling in the hallways, and the ghost of a Revolutionary soldier singing sea shanties in the basement. Guests and staff have also noticed the scent of tobacco smoke and objects moving on their own. During the Civil War, the inn housed Union soldiers, and visitors today report hearing drunken wartime songs, attributed to their lingering presence, along with heavy footsteps echoing in empty hallways.

The Maryland Inn continued to play a role in history during the Civil War, serving as a lodging space for Union officers and dignitaries while Annapolis became a military hub. Union hospitals operated in the city, and the inn likely hosted medical staff and administrators. During the Spanish-American War in 1898, Spanish prisoners of war held at the Naval Academy were said to have dined at the inn.

By the late 19th century, the Maryland Inn was a well-known hotel and was purchased by the Maryland Hotel Company in 1868. However, by World War I, its facilities had become outdated, and some guest rooms were converted into offices or apartments. In 1953, new owners restored the building, preserving its historic design. In the 1970s, developer Paul Pearson further revitalized the inn, introducing the Treaty of Paris Restaurant and the King of France Tavern, which became popular dining and entertainment spots. While these establishments are no longer operating, their contributions to the inn’s history remain significant. Today, the Drummer’s Lot Pub, named after the original "Drummer’s Lot" on which the inn was built, provides a casual spot for drinks and light meals.

In 2022, the Maryland Inn celebrated its 250th anniversary as part of the Historic Inns of Annapolis. Located near landmarks like the Maryland State House, the United States Naval Academy, and the waterfront, it continues to welcome visitors with a mix of historic charm and modern comfort. The Maryland Inn remains a cherished destination for travelers who want to experience its rich and storied past.