Berwyn Heights in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Town of Berwyn Heights
Anacostia Trails Heritage Area
— Welcome to the Town of Berwyn Heights —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 17, 2018
Established in 1888 as a commuter suburb 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.
Today's Greenbelt Road sits on top of the old Branchville Road, which connected the Baltimore-Washington Turnpike (Route 1) and the Branchville stop of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (now CSX) with the properties of the Walker family who used to own the land around Greenbelt. Jonathan T. Walker and his son James owned the land just south of Branchville Road before they sold it to the developers of Charlton Heights. The property was called Ore Bank Farm because of a mine that produced, at its peak, 50 tons of iron ore per week. The iron was sent by rail to Baltimore furnaces for smelting.
Former mines, mills and farms have given way to retail businesses, government agencies and the University of Maryland as principal employers of the people who live here. Yet, many tradesmen and small businesses continue to make Berwyn Heights their home.
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 2016 by Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 38° 59.592′ N, 76° 55.254′ W. Marker is in Berwyn Heights, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker is at the intersection
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 17, 2018
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Town of Berwyn Heights (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Keleher Avenue (about 600 feet away); Welcome to the Luther Goldman Birding Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Waugh Avenue (approx. 0.2 miles away); Arrowhead (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Origins of Lake Artemesia (approx. ¼ mile away); Dervey Augusta Lomax (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berwyn Heights.
Regarding Town of Berwyn Heights. History of Greenbelt Road, formerly Branchville Road, and adjacent area.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 17, 2018
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on December 11, 2023, by Kerstin Harper of Berwyn Heights, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 17, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.