Although Maryland became the 7th state on April 28, 1788, its capitol in Annapolis is the oldest dating back to 1779. On top of this modest, two-story, Georgian style building that resembles many others from the Revolutionary War period is a lightning rod designed by Benjamin Franklin. The dome was assembled with timber and wooden pegs. In this building on December 23, 1783, George Washington resigned as commander in chief of the Continental Army.
