58 State Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401

The Governor Calvert House was initially constructed at the tail end of the 17th century in Annapolis, Maryland. Its history is layered with family drama, architectural innovation, and a surprising amount of oranges. Today the property is a cozy hotel complete with complimentary Wi-Fi, but 58 State Circle came from humble and haunted beginnings.

The original home didn’t even have a second floor, although it did house a state-of-the-art basement stone heating unit, built mainly to help grow oranges and other semi-tropical fruits.

This property earned its title once it was occupied by the former Governor of Maryland, Charles Calvert, in 1720. Even though the property has carried his name for centuries, Governor Calvert’s residency was brief; he moved out of the property in 1727, although not by his own volition.

It seems as if Charles Calvert had only just finished settling into his new home when he was forced to vacate, which is perhaps why so many mysteries and spirits have been left behind in The Governor Calvert House.

historic governor calvert house

Governor Calvert House Ghosts

Trapped Under Glass

Established as a historic inn during the 1980s, nearly everyone who visits The Governor Calvert comments on the beautiful glass floor in the sitting area, which looks down upon the original stone foundation of the building.

Visitors have mentioned spotting unfamiliar faces after staring long enough into the glass floor. Some people believe that they had spotted the reflections of invisible spirits which roam the sitting area, some believe spirits hiding within the glass itself.

There also exist reports of hearing strange noises emerging from the hotel attic, behind the sealed latch key door. From the attic to the basement, this hotel is cloaked in mystery.

The very notion of building a stone heating unit in the basement was initially thought up by Charles Calvert, who lived in this home and served as Governor of Maryland from 1720-1727, before he handed his government position and home over to his cousin, Benedict Leonard Calvert.

Archaeologists have questioned why a politician would put so much work into a unit which would allow the growth of tropical plants. It is a marvel of early 18th century technology, and must have cost a fortune. Was all that work really just so Governor Calvert could grow oranges in his basement?

Benedict Leonard Calvert
Portrait of Benedict Leonard Calvert at the Calvert home of Woodcote Park, Surrey, c. 1726

Historians continue to hypothesize the intentions of Calvert’s green house. Dr. Anne Yentsch claims a link to Enlightenment philosophy, suggesting a correlation between the pursuit of political control and the need to control the world’s natural resources. This is just one of many theories people have drawn over the years about the mysterious architecture beneath the glass floor.

If you are interested in learning more about the architecture and history of 58 State Circle, Anne Yentsch published a book of her findings, entitled A Chesapeake Family and their Slaves, in 1994.

Governor Calvert

Benedict Governor Calvert was born in Surrey, England on September 20th, 1700. Benedict continued to study in Surrey until 1727, when he was sent by his older brother, Lord Baltimore, to take over the governorship of Maryland. This posed a bit of a problem, because Marlland was already governed by one Governor Calvert; Charles Calvert, Benedict’s cousin.

Charles was less than elated to learn that he would be handing his position and estate over to his younger, less experienced cousin, and Benedict only managed to convince Charles to step down after cutting him a deal on tobacco tax.

Benedict’s time in office was even more brief than his cousins was, and he was succeeded by Samuel Ogle four years later, in 1731. Samuel made a point of noting how negative his interaction was with Benedict, going so far as to say that Benedict was a heavier drinker than anyone Samuel had met in his life.

Benedict never got the chance to browse for a new home, as he died of Tuberculosis on the ship back home to England. Charles Calvert also passed away in Maryland a couple years later, in 1734.

Although Charles was never able to get back to his position as Governor, he did die one of the wealthiest men in Maryland, helped in no small part by the deal he made with his cousin years before.

Dominic the Pervert Ghost

People staying overnight at the Governor Calvert House have reported many sightings of otherworldly spirits, but no stories are as salacious as the stories of Dominic.

Long believed to be a disgruntled former employee of the hotel, Dominic checked out years ago but his ghost has been sighted in various bedrooms. When a medium came in to communicate with Dominic, we learned that he is not some sort of lost spirit, but is actually aware of the fact that he is dead.

See also: Maryland’s Most Haunted Places to Visit

The whole reason he has chosen to stay a specter of the hotel is because he loves watching strangers undress. As disturbing as that may seem to some of us, certain people would be rather excited by the idea of an undead admirer, provided the spirit didn’t ‘boo’ their naked body.

More Spirits Reside Here

While Dominic is the most legendary ghost haunting The Governor Calbert House, he is by no means alone. Guests have reported encounters with a man dressed in 18th century fashion, thought to be a resident of the home after Benedict Leonard Calvert passed on.

There are also of stories of a woman who took her own life during the 1940s who continues to be spotted in the hallways after dark.

Are there still more secrets to find inside The Governor Calvert House? Perhaps you will be the next person to experience a spooky brush with an otherworldly spirit.

Gallery

Visiting Governor Calvert House

This house is one of three homes which make up The Historic Inns of Annapolis Hotel, and they currently offer rooms starting at $79 per night. If you would like to learn more about the other two historical inns, check out The Maryland Inn and The Robert Johnson House.

Website: www.historicinnsofannapolis.com/stay/governor-calvert-house

Phone: 844-656-8640

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