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Annapolis Walking Tour
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The House by the "Town Gates" is a two and a half story Federal style historic home, which was built circa 1830. Initially constructed as a private home, the first floor windows on the northern facade were replaced by storefront windows in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Thereafter, the building has housed many different commercial tenants on the ground level. Although the original brickwork is covered by multiple layers of paint, it remains partly visible on the northwestern corner. A small cobblestone alley on the building's west side is also visible. It is the only remaining example of an undisturbed cobblestone alley in the City of Annapolis. The House by the "Town Gates" was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 19, 1973.


House by the "Town Gates" in Annapolis

Sky, Building, Window, Tire

House by the "Town Gates" in Annapolis

Sky, Window, Building, Fixture

House by the "Town Gates" in Annapolis

Sky, Property, Window, Building

Once a private home, this Federal era building was built in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. It is uniquely situated at an asymmetrical intersection near the original "Town Gates" in Annapolis. The home's first known owner was Vachel Seviere (also known as Vachel Stevens). Considered to be a "jack of all trades," Seviere worked as a land surveyor, an inn keeper, and an iron worker, among other professions. He acquired the property in 1832.

The house was built at the intersection of Sobieski Street with Calvert Street, Cathedral Street, and West Street. Upon the completion of the building's construction, Sobieski Street disappeared altogether. Only a short cobblestone alley, which runs along the west side of the building, still remains. This alley is considered the only undisturbed example of original cobblestone paving in all of Annapolis.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, the home was converted into a commercial retail space. During the following decades, the property was extensively altered to suit this commercial usage. However, by the 1970s, the House by the "Town Gates" caught the attention of historic preservationists. The building became part of an urban renewal project, which was aimed at restoring the property to its original appearance, at least as much as possible, while allowing it to remain in use commercially. In June 1973, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, Maryland.gov. Accessed November 28th 2021. https://mht.maryland.gov/secure/medusa/PDF/AnneArundel/AA-709.pdf.

House by the "Town Gates", Waymarking. Accessed November 28th 2021. https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wm158H_House_by_the_Town_Gates.

House by the "Town Gates", Virtual Globetrotting. Accessed November 28th 2021. https://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/house-by-the-town-gates/view/google/.

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