Berwyn Heights in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Town of Berwyn Heights

Anacostia Trails Heritage Area

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 18, 2019

1. Town of Berwyn Heights Marker

Inscription.

Town of Berwyn Heights. Anacostia Trails Heritage Area. , Welcome to the Town of Berwyn Heights , Established in 1888 on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, this approximately 1-square mile residential community was first named Charlton Heights, and became Berwyn Heights when incorporated in 1896., The hillsides of the Indian Creek on which Berwyn Heights sits were once home to Native Americans known as the Anacostanks. Artifacts, such as arrowheads, stone axes and other archaic tools, sitll turn up along the Creek after a flood or when people work their gardens., The first city dwellers came here to escape Washington's pollution and hot summers and enjoy healthier rural surroundings. Many kept chickens, orchards and kitchen gardens on their large properties. A number of beautiful Victorian homes remain from that period., A second growth spurt occurred in the 1910s, following the opening of a streetcar line. This generation of homeowners built the community. They formed the Berwyn Heights Association to manage the upkeep of streets, bridges and schools before turning these responsibilities over to a formal town government in 1924., Today, people move to Berwyn Heights because of its small town character and the many recreational opportunities provided by Greenbelt Park, Lake Artemesia and the Anacostia Trails., www.berwyn-heights.com. , ① Town Hall , Comprises municipal building housing the Town government, Town Museum, and a 2-story former fire house that now functions as venue for community events and meetings., ② Berwyn Heights Elementary School and Community Center , Public elementary school with gymnasium surrounded by recreational facilities. The school court yard showcases an educational garden maintained by students and the PTA. Former site of the St. Ann's Infant Asylum., ③ Pop's Park , Playground with picnic area., ④ Sports Park , Site of Boys and Girls Club's ball fields and comfort station with rest rooms., ⑤ Indian Creek Park , Native American-themed playground and ball fields adjacent to Indian Creek Trail., ⑥ Historic Walking Tour (red line) , Showcases Victorian pattern book houses along Ruatan Street, Berwyn Road, and other streets. Walking tour brochure available at Historical Committee website (berwynehightshistory.wordpress.com), Town Museum and at Indian Creek Trailhead. . This historical marker was erected by Maryland Heritage Area Authority. It is in Berwyn Heights in Prince George's County Maryland

Welcome to the Town of Berwyn Heights
Established in 1888 on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, this approximately 1-square mile residential community was first named Charlton Heights, and became Berwyn Heights when incorporated in 1896.

The hillsides of the Indian Creek on which Berwyn Heights sits were once home to Native Americans known as the Anacostanks. Artifacts, such as arrowheads, stone axes and other archaic tools, sitll turn up along the Creek after a flood or when people work their gardens.

The first city dwellers came here to escape Washington's pollution and hot summers and enjoy healthier rural surroundings. Many kept chickens, orchards and kitchen gardens on their large properties. A number of beautiful Victorian homes remain from that period.

A second growth spurt occurred in the 1910s, following the opening of a streetcar line. This generation of homeowners built the community. They formed the Berwyn Heights Association to manage the upkeep of streets, bridges and schools before turning these responsibilities over to a formal town government in 1924.

Today, people

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move to Berwyn Heights because of its small town character and the many recreational opportunities provided by Greenbelt Park, Lake Artemesia and the Anacostia Trails.

www.berwyn-heights.com
① Town Hall
Comprises municipal building housing the Town government, Town Museum, and a 2-story former fire house that now functions as venue for community events and meetings.

② Berwyn Heights Elementary School & Community Center
Public elementary school with gymnasium surrounded by recreational facilities. The school court yard showcases an educational garden maintained by students and the PTA. Former site of the St. Ann's Infant Asylum.

③ Pop's Park
Playground with picnic area.

④ Sports Park
Site of Boys & Girls Club's ball fields and comfort station with rest rooms.

⑤ Indian Creek Park
Native American-themed playground and ball fields adjacent to Indian Creek Trail.

⑥ Historic Walking Tour (red line)
Showcases Victorian pattern book houses along Ruatan Street, Berwyn Road, and other streets. Walking tour brochure available at Historical Committee website (berwynehightshistory.wordpress.com), Town Museum and at Indian Creek Trailhead.

Erected by

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 18, 2019

2. Town of Berwyn Heights Marker

Maryland Heritage Area Authority.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 38° 59.595′ N, 76° 55.159′ W. Marker is in Berwyn Heights, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker is on Berwyn Road west of Ruatan Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5518 Berwyn Rd, College Park MD 20740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Keleher Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Town of Berwyn Heights (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Waugh Avenue (about 700 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 800 feet away); Arrowhead (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to the Luther Goldman Birding Trail (approx. ¼ mile away); Washington, Spa Spring & Gretta Railroad (approx. ¼ mile away); Origins of Lake Artemesia (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berwyn Heights.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 18, 2019

3. Town of Berwyn Heights Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.