Maryland State House

Went for a wander in downtown Annapolis on Sunday afternoon, just for some R&R. Here is a picture of the Statehouse of Maryland, which has a distinctive dome. It is the third statehouse to be built on the site, and the building of it appears to have chewed through several people's money and patience! They started trying to build it in 1772 after knocking down the previous building, gave up by 1779, tried again in 1783, gave up by 1794 (although this at least got the exterior done), and completed the interior by 1797 under a third carpenter. It was used as the country's capitol from 1783 - 1784.
In deference to the times, the American Revolution was on while they were trying to build it (roughly 1775-1784?), which may have shattered some people's concentration a bit.
Anyways. It is on a big circle (roundabout, for everyone else) called State Circle. Bit like Parliament House in Canberra really, only with more trees and less security bollards.
We enjoyed the beautiful gardens around it, and the great running areas. We found a "keep off the grass" sign down the bottom, eventually, but we were just leaving by then, and the grass had been well trod on!
(most facts from http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/story.html).