Anacostia Trails Heritage Area
Welcome to the Town of Berwyn Heights
Established in 1888 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.
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 & 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.
[Back of sign:]
Maryland Milestones
Anacostia Trails Heritage Area
Maryland Milestones Centers
1 National Wildlife Visitor Center
(serving ATHA North)
10901 Scarlett Tanager Loop, Laurel, MD
301-497-5763
2
Historic Greenbelt & Greenbelt Museum
(Serving Greenbelt, Berwyn Heights & College Park)
15 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD
301-507-6582
Mon-Sat 9a - 10p, Sun 9a - 7p
3 College Park Aviation Museum
(Serving College Park, Riverdale Park & University Park)
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD
301-864-6029
Daily 10a-5p
4 ATHA Heritage Center
(Information Center & General Offices)
4318 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, MD
301-887-0777
Call for hours
5 Bladensburg Waterfront Park (War of 1812 Information
(Serving Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, & Edmonston)
4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD
301-779-0371
Daily 9a-5p, Park open sunrise to sunset
6 Joe's Movement Emporium (Arts District)
(Serving Mount Ranier, Brentwood, North Brentwood & Hyattsville)
3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Ranier, MD
301-699-1819
Mon-Sat 10a-9p, Sun 10a-6p
www.marylandmilestones.org
Comments 0 comments