Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Claude House

26 West Street

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 26, 2014

1. The Claude House Marker

Inscription. During the second half of the 18th century, shoemaker Allen Quynn owned or leased a large portion of both sides of the first block of West Street. At one time this building was Quynn's home, but in 1767 Quynn leased the house to watchmaker William Knapp for seven years. A dozen years later, another watchmaker, Abraham Claude, who was already living in the house, bought the property from Quynn. Claude's first newspaper advertisement described himself and his partner as "watchmakers from London." After the death of his first wife, who left four young children, Claude married Elizabeth Quynn, Allen's daughter. In addition to his work as a watchmaker and silversmith, Claude sold dry goods and groceries. It was common in the 18th century for artisans to diversify in order to support their families. During his ownership of this house, Claude removed the original gambrel roof and added the present second story.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1767.

Location. 38° 58.712′ N, 76° 29.651′ W. Marker is in Annapolis,

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Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. It is on West Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26 West Street, Annapolis MD 21401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in the Chesapeake Bay Region,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Congress Was Here (a few steps from this marker); The City Spared (a few steps from this marker); A Community Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Marion Warren's six photographs capture this historic Annapolis neighborhood in a sleepier time (within shouting distance of this marker); Lot 70 Is Historically Significant (within shouting distance of this marker); Reynold's Tavern (about 300 feet away, measured

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2023

2. The Claude House Marker

The marker is seen here on the side of the building.

in a direct line); Southgate Memorial (about 400 feet away); The Maryland Inn (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Annapolis.

More about this marker. Building is now the Annapolis Visitors Center.

The Claude House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 26, 2014

3. The Claude House

Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,060 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 26, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on July 26, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.