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

Waugh Avenue

Historic Berwyn Heights

— Town of Berwyn Heights, Maryland —

 
 
Waugh Avenue Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 18, 2019
1. Waugh Avenue Marker
Inscription. 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 by The Berwyn Heights Historical Committee.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal OrganizationsIndustry & CommerceSettlements & SettlersWar, 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.

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
Waugh Avenue Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 18, 2019
2. Waugh Avenue Marker
away, measured in a direct line); Berwyn Heights Association (about 600 feet away); 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. Ό mile away); The Berwyn Heights Company (approx. Ό mile 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 344 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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Jul. 7, 2026