The United States Naval Academy

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The History

The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis is one of five service academies in the United States of America. Established in 1845, the USNA is the second oldest of America’s service academies and effectively replaced the Philadelphia Naval Asylum which served as America’s first Naval Academy. Today the USNA educates officers to serve in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The Naval Academy was constructed in Annapolis, a historically significant city in Maryland that briefly served as the Capital of the United States from 1783-1784 and is the current capital of the state of Maryland. It is situated along the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of Severn River on land that was once occupied by Fort Severn, a United States Army base that was constructed to protect the Annapolis Harbor during the War of 1812.

Since it’s founding, the United States Naval Academy has educated nearly 100,000 midshipmen. Notable alumni include President Jimmy Carter, over 50 astronauts, multiple Nobel Prize winners and Basketball Hall of Famer David Robinson.

Visiting The United States Naval Academy

In addition to be an active service Academy the United States Naval Academy is also a registered historic landmark that welcomes visitors. Visitors should be aware that there is no onsite parking for non-military personnel. The Naval Academy recommends parking at one of several nearby parking garages located in Annapolis. Pedestrian visitors should enter the USNA at Gate 1. Access to the USNA is free to the public though all visitors over the age of 18 are required to show a valid picture ID before entering and any guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with an ID. The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center is located just beyond Gate 1 and is where all tourists should begin their visit to the United States Naval Academy.

United States Naval Academy Visitor Center

The grounds of the USNA are open to the public daily, from sunrise to sunset. Guests of credentialed military personnel are allowed to stay beyond regular visiting hours as are those visiting to attend official events that extend beyond these hours including sporting events and concerts.

The United States Naval Academy Museum should be on the itinerary of every guest. The museum is free to the public and is open from 9AM to 5PM on Mondays and Wednesday through Saturday, from 10AM to 4PM on Sundays and closed on Tuesdays. Inside the museums you will find exhibits on the history of the USNA, the United States Navy, and United States Marine Corps; including interactive exhibits, ship replicas, and historical artifacts.

United States Naval Academy Museum

You can also walk the grounds of the USNA which is filled with history and monuments. Among them is the Tripoli Monument which was dates to 1808 and is the oldest existent military monument in the United States. The monument pays tribute to heroes of the First Barbary War which was fought from 1801-1805. Originally located in Washington, D.C., the Tripoli Monument was moved to the USNA in 1860.

While exploring on your own can be fun, a guided tour is a great way to learn about the USNA. Our favorite of course is the walking tour, which provides a general overall of the entire academy! There are also riding tours for those who would prefer to avoid walking in addition to special themed tours that include topics like the music of the United States Naval Academy and Youth Leadership tours. You do have to pay to take a guided tour, though 100% of the profits go toward supporting the USNA Brigade of Midshipmen. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to ensure your spot on the tour. Get your tickets on the Naval Academy website by clicking HERE.

United States Naval Academy Musem

East Coast Road Trip

The United States Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, Maryland, a city located just 25 miles south of Baltimore and 30 miles east of Washington, D.C. Because of this, the USNA makes a great addition to any road trip of America’s East Coast. Aside from the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis itself is also worth seeing. With a historic and walkable downtown, the former capital of the United States is an inviting destination for tourists. Annapolis is also home to St. John’s College, which dates to 1696 and is among the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States.

Annapolis Harbor