William Paca was one of four Marylanders to sign the Declaration of Independence.
The two-acre garden was buried under a hotel and parking lot for decades before a multi-million dollar restoration began in the 1960s.
The garden features a distinctive geometric layout typical of mid-18th-century English aesthetic, including a 'wilderness' area.
The brickwork on the house utilizes Flemish bond, a common yet prestigious masonry style in the 1700s.
Archaeologists recovered thousands of colonial-era artifacts during the garden's excavation, informing the authentic reconstruction of plant species and garden structures.
The William Paca House & Garden is an 18th-century Georgian mansion built by William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and former Governor of Maryland. The estate features a two-acre pleasure garden reconstructed to mirror its 1770s appearance, including a fish-shaped pond, a Chinese Chippendale bridge, and a rustic summerhouse. Visitors can explore the preserved period rooms inside the three-story brick structure which serves as a landmark of Annapolis colonial history. The site is managed by Historic Annapolis and functions as a preserved historic house museum. The garden remains one of the few urban colonial gardens in the United States to be authentically restored based on archaeological evidence and historic documents.
The view from the Chinese Chippendale bridge looking back toward the summerhouse.
Prioritize the garden tour first if the weather is favorable, as it is the site's most unique feature.
Check the Historic Annapolis calendar for seasonal living history demonstrations or garden workshops.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the garden paths are composed of gravel and uneven historical surfaces.
Do not mistake the modern front entrance for the historic period entryway; follow signage carefully to avoid restricted office areas.
Occasionally closed for private events or weddings; check the official website before visiting.
Refrain from touching artifacts in the house; stay on marked paths in the garden to protect historic plantings.
