Riverdale Park in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Riverdale School
A holiday crowd gathered on this spot July 4, 1895, to celebrate the dedication of the first Riverdale School built by the Riverdale Park Company, developers of the new suburb of Riverdale Park. The two-room building, measuring 28 by 60 feet, had 12 windows and a belfry with a bell to mark the passage of each day's happenings. The developers set land aside for the school in the hope that it would attract families with young children who would no longer be "compelled to trudge" to Hyattsville for an education.
The school opened in September 1895 with Elizabeth McGee in the role of both teacher and principal for about 40 students. One youngster described Mrs. McGee as a short elderly woman who maintained order in the classroom with a memorable glare. The school grew so rapidly that an assistant teacher was hired in 1898. By 1899, an addition was built on the original school and an adjecent house was used as an annex. The school was used until 1919 when students moved to a larger building constructed at the corner of Riverdale and Taylor Roads, which is the site of the Riverdale Elementary School today. The original school was not used for any other purpose and was removed in the 1920s.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1849.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 57.669′ N, 76° 55.872′ W. Marker was in Riverdale Park, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker could be reached from Riverdale Road west of Taylor Road. Marker is on the grounds of Riversdale Mansion, near the gateposts. Riverdale Road is parallel to East-West Highway (State Route 410). Taylor Road has an intersection with East-West Highway two blocks north of Riverdale Road. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale MD 20737, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Riverdale School (a few steps from this marker); Riverdale Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Betty's Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the Riversdale Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Riversdale Dependency (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverdale Park.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,919 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 21, 2006, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 30, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.