Maryland State House

Photo: Jesse Hand License: 1

The Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, dating to 1772. It houses the Maryland General Assembly. The capitol has the distinction of being topped by the largest wooden dome built without nails in the nation.

The lightning rod atop the dome was constructed and grounded accordingly to the direct specifications of its inventor, Benjamin Franklin.

It was in the Old Senate Chamber that George Washington famously resigned his commission as commander in chief of the Continental Army on December 23, 1783.

The Senate chamber and House of Delegates is located in a new wing to the original structure.