A Walk in the Yard: A Self-guided Tour of the U.S. Naval Academy

Using historical and literary references and personal narrative, this self-guided tour of the Naval Academy grounds - known as The Yard - takes visitors on a tour of the Annapolis institution that has been educating midshipmen for more than 150 years. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Academy’s culture and linger over what appeals to them most, be it a painting in the museum, an old war hero’s gravestone or the architectural history of the chapel. To help visitors appreciate the occasion more fully, the authors have included quotations from famous graduates, excerpts from novels and songs about Academy life, anecdotes about events that took place in various buildings, facts about the architecture, and simple instructions about where to stand to compare a modern-day view with a historic photograph. A detailed tour of the cemetery is included along with a discussion of the work of architect Ernest Flagg, who designed Bancroft Hall, the Chapel, and many other Academy buildings that comprise the largest collection of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States. The book serves both as a companion guide and a memorable keepsake to be enjoyed for years to come. The soft cover and spiral binding are user friendly yet sturdy enough to survive countless visits.