when the building is completed in 1779, it's topped by a small undersized cupola. it was hit by a hurricane. in 1785, less than two years after congress was in annapolis, construction begins on a new dome to the state house. they have to dismantle the original and it takes them about 12 years to complete it. it's the largest all wooden dome in the united states. it is built entirely without structural nails. it's held together with joints and elaborate iron strapping. it is truly an architectural masterpiece. the dome is recognizable. it is truly spectacular thing. it is topped by a gilded acorn. the acorn is a reproduction of the original 18th century acorn. and it is topped by a lightening rod designed to benjamin franklin's specifications. in the 19dth century, the state house was used as a look-out. we have tremendous documentation one of maryland naval heros going to the state house dome using his glass to observe the troop movements. on their way back and forth up the bay in september 1814. we have now ventured out of the 18th century portion of the state hou