Town of Berwyn Heights

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.