Annapolis Tours® by Watermark® announces its newest tour, “War of 1812 in Annapolis.” Step back in time and explore Francis Scott Key’s roots with an 1812 period dressed guide on this two-hour walking tour through historic Annapolis, the campus of St. John’s College and the grounds of the United States Naval Academy – all key points of interest during America’s “forgotten war.” The tour is offered to the public twice a month or available anytime to private groups. The next tour is Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m. from the Visitor’s Center.
The “Forgotten War of 1812” comes alive on this walking tour. While no battles were fought in Annapolis, the War of 1812 was our nation’s first nautical war and foundational to the United States Navy. It set the stage for what would become the United States Naval Academy. “We have a unique opportunity here in Annapolis to share the stories of the War and how it helped establish our nation’s Navy as a major force, the stories of Francis Scott Key and the stories that defined our nation’s most recognized icons like the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ says Debbie Gosselin, President of Watermark, “Our period dressed guides will take guests back to 1812. Francis Scott Key himself might even be your tour guide.”
The walking tour was developed in partnership with The United States Naval Academy. The Four Rivers Heritage Area recognized the partnership with the “Public/Private Initiative Award” earlier this year. Heather Skipper, Director of Guide Operations at Watermark says, “Watermark is pleased to offer this exclusive opportunity for visitors to trace the historical connections of this particular time period throughout Annapolis.”
The tour guide escorts guests through the streets of historic Annapolis and the United States Naval Academy acquainting the public with 10 stops of historical significance to the War of 1812. The tour includes five stops at the Naval Academy – Mahan Hall, the HMS Macedonian Monument, the Naval Academy Museum, the Joseph Nicholson Home and Bandstand, and the HMS Confiance Cannon.
The tour ends at the major exhibit on the War, “Seas, Lakes & Bay: The Naval War of 1812” in Mahan Hall at the Naval Academy. The exhibit features two of the most prestigious and comprehensive collections of 1812 Naval art and artifacts. The exhibition is made possible by Mr. William I. Koch, whose support and loan of his inspired collection of historic maritime paintings and artifacts provide a glimpse into life on the seas during the War of 1812.
“War of 1812 in Annapolis” is offered on the second and fourth Saturday of the month now through October. The 2-hour tour departs the Annapolis Visitor’s Center at 26 West Street at 10 a.m. $18/Adults, $12/Children 3-11, Free 2 & Under. Purchase tickets at http://annapolistours.com or directly from the tour guide. The tour is offered for a limited time through October 2014 to coincide with Maryland’s Star-Spangled 200 Celebration.
