The Robert Johnson House overlooks the Governor’s Mansion and the State House, and is actually three houses that have been artfully restored, integrated and furnished. There are 25 rooms in all. All of the properties that make up the Robert Johnson House lie on what the 1718 city survey designated as Lot 73, and most included buildings on Main Street.

The Robert Johnson House was home to three different members of the Johnson family who were prominent officials on city, state and national levels. John Johnson lived in the house until he died in 1824 after serving in an impressive array of elected positions including Mayor of Annapolis (1803-1804 and 1809-1810), State Senator (1801-1805) and Judge (1811-1821). John Johnson’s second son, John Johnson, Jr. was also born in the house and followed his father and brother into the law. He bought the house in 1831 to pay off debts and when he died in 1856, the home was sold out of the family.

Joshua Brown occupied the Robert Johnson House for the next few decades. Brown was involved in the construction of the city’s first rail line that linked Annapolis with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Annapolis Junction.

The Robert Johnson House was eventually sold to William Bellis in 1880. Bellis was a tailor whose parents had emigrated from Wales and settled in Annapolis. After serving in the Confederate army in the Civil War, he set up shop on Main Street and settled into 23 State Circle with a wife and three children. His daughter, Maud married Charles Morrow in 1891 and acquired the title to the home in 1902.

The Historic Inns of Annapolis purchased the property in 1983. A careful and elegant restoration included the furnishing of several guest rooms with 19th century antiques and décor that is tailored to feature each room’s unique location and orientation. As with all of the Historic Inns, the vibrant dining, shopping, and historic sites of one of America’s most charming small cities are just a few steps away.