Lexington Park in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lexington Park
County's First Planned Community
The U.S. Navy developed Lexington Park to house white civilian workers who streamed into the area following the establishment of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Named for the storied aircraft carrier, USS Lexington, this was the first planned community in St. Mary's County. The simple duplex homes were made of concrete and brick with slanted roofs, and were given the nickname "Flattops."
The northern part of the development, completed in 1943, was designed by the nationally recognized firm Khan and Jacobs and was completed in 1943. Washington, D.C. architect Louis Justement designed the houses in the southern portion, which were completed in 1944, along with the small commercial and community center.
That same year, about a half mile away and modeled after the Flattops in Lexington Park, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) oversaw construction of Carver Heights, 125 homes and 71 dormitory spots for African American civilian and military only. The FHA refused to admit whites.
Erected by Commissioners of St. Mary's County; St. Mary's County Museum Division; Friends of the St. Clement's Island and Piney Point Museums; Destination Southern Maryland; Maryland Heritage Area Authority (MHAA).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
this page online
Location. 38° 15.685′ N, 76° 26.902′ W. Marker is in Lexington Park, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. It is on Rennell Avenue West just west of South Coral Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21675 S Coral Dr, Lexington Park MD 20653, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Maryland. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. 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: Navy Base Arrives (here, next to this marker); St. Marys County and U.S. Navy History (here, next to this marker); Architectural Significance of the First Lexington Park Community (here, next to this marker); The Great Depression and New Opportunities (within shouting distance of this marker); Two Worlds / One County (within shouting distance of this marker); A "War to end all Wars" (within shouting distance of this marker); Defining Freedom and Building Community (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Colored Troops (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,063 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 13, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
