William Paca House & Garden

Imagine an elegant brick mansion that seems to transport you straight back to the 18th century. The William Paca House and Garden is a magnificently restored example of Georgian architecture, located in the historic center of Annapolis. Built between 1763 and 1765, this five-part house belonged to one of the most prominent men of his era—William Paca, a signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and Governor of Maryland.

William Paca House & Garden. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main highlight of this site is its unique 2-acre garden, a true green oasis hidden behind a brick wall. Here, you can see a harmonious blend of formal parterres, a kitchen garden, and a so-called "wilderness" area. Of particular interest are the two-story summer house and the elegant Chinese fretwork bridge spanning the pond. All this splendor was meticulously recreated based on archaeological finds and old paintings.

Today, the estate is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is managed by Historic Annapolis. It is not just a museum with antique furniture, but a place where colonial-era life comes to life, allowing guests to step into the past and feel the atmosphere of a luxurious urban estate from centuries ago.

For more details before your visit or to book a group tour, you can use the official contact information.

The site administration is always ready to assist tourists with information regarding current exhibitions and special events.

Inside the mansion, a fascinating journey through time awaits you: be sure to join a guided tour. You can examine the intricate wood carvings, learn the secrets of a colonial kitchen, and see how the daily life of a wealthy planter was organized. Guides share captivating stories about the fashion, culinary preferences, and social customs of that era, bringing every piece of the interior to life.

After touring the house, head to the garden where you can wander endlessly through the terraces. Don't miss the chance to cross the famous Chinese bridge and look into the summer house—it offers the best panoramic view of the entire grounds. The garden is especially beautiful during rose blooming season, and its secluded paths in the Wilderness area, featuring authentic North American plants, create a sense of privacy right in the middle of the city.

Photography enthusiasts will certainly love it here: every corner of the estate, from the parterres to the old well, serves as a perfect backdrop for photos. The garden often hosts elegant weddings and historical festivals, so a visit to this "quiet oasis" will be one of the most peaceful experiences of your trip to Annapolis.

Finding this historical gem is easy: it is located in the heart of the city's historic district at 186 Prince George St. If you are already exploring the center, it is only a 10–15 minute walk from the Maryland State House or the picturesque city dock. It is a wonderful opportunity to soak in the colonial atmosphere of the streets on your way to the mansion.

For those traveling from other cities, the most convenient airport is Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). The drive from there takes about 30–40 minutes via I-97 N and US-50 E. You can also use public transport: MARC or Greyhound buses will take you to the Annapolis transport hub, from where the Paca House is a 5–10 minute taxi ride away.

If you arrive by car, remember that street parking in the city center is limited. It is best to leave your car in one of the dedicated Historic Annapolis parking garages and continue on foot or by city bike to fully experience the rhythm of the historic city.

The history of this site began in 1763 when William Paca, a future leader of Maryland and one of the signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, decided to build a residence worthy of his status after marrying Mary Chew. This five-part brick mansion became a symbol of his standing and taste. Interestingly, in the 18th century, enslaved people worked on the estate; their names—Affie, Poll, Sarah, and Denby—are now part of the museum's historical narrative.

The house's fate was not always easy: after Paca sold it in 1780, the building changed owners many times and served as rental housing for a long period. In the early 20th century, it even housed the grand Carvel Hall hotel, for which a massive wing was added in the garden. It wasn't until 1965 that the Historic Annapolis organization purchased the property, literally saving it from demolition and initiating a large-scale restoration.

The restoration of the garden was a triumph for archaeologists and historians. The only reliable visual source was a 1772 portrait of William Paca by Charles Willson Peale, which featured the garden pavilion in the background. Thanks to excavations, they were able to accurately restore the terrace system, water features, and even discover a natural spring that still feeds the fish-shaped pond.

Since 1971, the estate has held the status of a National Historic Landmark. Today, visitors see the exact landscape and interiors that surrounded one of the country's Founding Fathers over two hundred years ago, making the house a unique example of living colonial history.

To explore the mansion without rushing and enjoy the tranquility of its gardens, we recommend setting aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is plenty of time to join a tour of the interior rooms and leave time for a self-guided stroll through the terraces.

If you are interested in botany or historical architecture, you might want to stay longer to study the rare plant species in the Wilderness area or take scenic photos on the bridge. In any case, this place is perfect for taking a break from a busy sightseeing schedule.

The mansion and garden typically welcome visitors on the following schedule: Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00. Please note that tours of the interior are conducted at specific times, so it is best to arrive early.

As seasonal changes or closures for private events may occur, we strongly advise you to check the official website before your visit to ensure your historical experience is perfect.

A visit to the William Paca House is just one part of a grand journey into the past. The historic city center is densely packed with iconic landmarks located within walking distance of each other, allowing you to create a rich walking itinerary.

Strolling through the neighborhood, you will see majestic government buildings, old taverns, and museums dedicated to the state's culture and history. Below are the most interesting sites located nearby.