Berwyn Heights in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Waugh Avenue
Historic Berwyn Heights
— Town of Berwyn Heights, Maryland —
James E. Waugh (1841-1895) was the driving force behind the creation of the railroad suburb that became the Town of Berwyn Heights. He began his career as a grocery merchant, worked in the Treasury Department, then took up real estate and insurance.During the Civil War, Waugh organized a company of volunteers for the defense of the capital city, and briefly served as captain in the 1st California Regiment of the U.S. Army. He resigned his commission in November 1861.
In 1887, Waugh and David Lamb bought 393 acres of land east of the B&O Railroad near Branchville for a new development. They sold the land to Edward Graves, who had it platted as Charlton Heights. In August 1888, Waugh, Graves, Benjamin Charlton and 4 other Washington entrepreneurs incorporated the Charlton Heights Improvement Company to market properties to District residents.
A proud member of the Knights Templar Columbia Commandery No. 2, Waugh named many streets in Charlton Heights after prominent Templars. One year after his death, Charlton Heights was incorporated as Berwyn Heights.
Erected 2015
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1888.
Location. 38° 59.525′ N, 76° 55.039′ W. Marker is in Berwyn Heights, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker is on Berwyn Road east of 57th Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 57 57th Avenue, 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. Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Keleher Avenue (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington, Spa Spring & Gretta Railroad (about 700 feet away); Town of Berwyn Heights (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Town of Berwyn Heights (approx. 0.2 miles away); Arrowhead (approx. ¼ mile away); Origins of Lake Artemesia (approx. ¼ mile away); Welcome to the Luther Goldman Birding Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berwyn Heights.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
