Bladensburg, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bladensburg
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Bladensburg in 1861
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| Motto(s):
A past to remember, a future to embrace.
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Location of Bladensburg, Maryland
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | Maryland | ||
| County | Prince George's | ||
| Founded | 1742 | ||
| Incorporated | 1854 | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 1.00 sq mi (2.59 km2) | ||
| • Land | 0.99 sq mi (2.56 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 52 ft (16 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 9,657 | ||
| • Density | 9,754.55/sq mi (3,765.61/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | ||
| ZIP code |
20710
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| Area codes | 301, 240 | ||
| FIPS code | 24-07850 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 0597086 | ||
Bladensburg is a town in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. It is located about 8.6 miles (13.8 km) from Washington, D.C.. In 2020, about 9,657 people lived there. The town is known for its rich history and its location near the Anacostia River.
Contents
Exploring Bladensburg's Past
Bladensburg was first called Garrison's Landing. It was renamed in honor of Thomas Bladen, who was the governor of Maryland from 1742 to 1747. The town was officially started in 1742. This happened because the Maryland General Assembly passed a law. This law allowed the town to buy land and divide it into lots for building.
How Bladensburg Became a Port Town
In 1747, Bladensburg became an important port for inspecting and grading tobacco. This was a big deal because tobacco was a major crop back then. The town was a busy seaport during the colonial period. You can still see evidence of this at the Market Master's House.
The Battle of Bladensburg and Its Impact
Bladensburg is famous for the Battle of Bladensburg in 1814. This battle happened during the War of 1812. It's the only time a sitting U.S. president, James Madison, rode into battle. The American forces lost this battle. This loss allowed British troops to march on and burn parts of Washington.
Over time, the Anacostia River became filled with silt (mud and sand). This meant that larger ships could no longer reach the port. So, Bladensburg's role as a seaport slowly ended. However, it remained an important place where major roads met. These roads connected to cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C..
Growth and Changes in Bladensburg
The first Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line ended in Bladensburg. Passengers going to Washington had to switch to carriages. This changed in 1835 when the railroad was extended into Washington.
Bladensburg grew slowly through the 1800s. A popular spot was the Spa Springs, believed to help with illnesses. The Bladensburg Dueling Grounds was another well-known place. Many famous duels (formal fights) happened there.
The town officially became a town in 1854. Schools and churches were built. In 1866, the first school for African Americans was opened by the Freedmen's Bureau. Bladensburg saw its biggest growth in the early 1900s. New neighborhoods like Decatur Heights were built in 1914 and 1917. The Sunnybrook neighborhood was added in 1947.
Later in the 20th century, more homes and apartment buildings were constructed. The Bladensburg Shopping Center was also built. Because the town often flooded, the Army Corps of Engineers built a flood control system. This changed the path of the Anacostia River and added protective walls called levees.
In 1999, Bladensburg worked with nearby towns, Colmar Manor and Cottage City. They created the Port Towns Revitalization Initiative. This project helped improve businesses, restore historic buildings, and rebuild the Bladensburg waterfront.
Historic Places in Bladensburg
Bladensburg has several important historic sites. These places are recognized by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. They help us remember the town's long history.
| Site name | Image | Location | M-NCPPC Inventory Number | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bostwick |  |
3901 48th St. | 69-005-09 | Added to the National Register of Historic Places, 1975-08-19 |
| 2 | George Washington House |  |
Baltimore Ave. at Upshur St. | 69-005-02 | Added to the National Register of Historic Places, 1974-08-07 |
| 3 | Hilltop Manor |  |
4100–4112, 4200–4214 53rd Ave., 4100–4210 53rd Pl., & 5300–5304 Annapolis Rd. | n/a | Added to the National Register of Historic Places, 2007-12-21 |
| 4 | Market Master's House |  |
4006 48th St. | 69-005-08 | Added to the National Register of Historic Places, 1990-03-29 |
| 6 | William Hilleary House or Hilleary–Magruder House |  |
4703 Annapolis Rd. | 69-005-07 | Added to the National Register of Historic Places, 1978-07-20 |
Bladensburg is also home to the Peace Cross. This is a memorial for soldiers who died in World War I. In 2019, the Supreme Court decided that this landmark could stay as a state-maintained monument.
Bladensburg's Location and Natural Features
Bladensburg is located at 38°56′29″N 76°55′48″W / 38.94139°N 76.93000°W. The town covers about 1.01 square miles (2.62 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
The town has a special place called "Bladensburg Waterfront Park." This park is where the Northeast Branch and Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River meet. It's a great spot for enjoying nature and the water.
Neighboring Communities
Bladensburg shares borders with several other towns and communities:
- Edmonston (to the northwest)
- Hyattsville (to the northwest)
- Rogers Heights (to the northeast)
- Riverdale (to the northeast)
- Cottage City (to the southwest)
- Colmar Manor (to the southwest)
- Cheverly (to the southeast)
- Tuxedo (to the south)
- Woodlawn (to the east)
- Landover Hills (to the east)
Who Lives in Bladensburg?
The population of Bladensburg has changed over the years. Here's a look at how many people have lived in the town:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 410 | — | |
| 1880 | 466 | 13.7% | |
| 1890 | 503 | 7.9% | |
| 1900 | 463 | −8.0% | |
| 1910 | 460 | −0.6% | |
| 1920 | 597 | 29.8% | |
| 1930 | 816 | 36.7% | |
| 1940 | 1,220 | 49.5% | |
| 1950 | 2,899 | 137.6% | |
| 1960 | 3,103 | 7.0% | |
| 1970 | 7,977 | 157.1% | |
| 1980 | 7,691 | −3.6% | |
| 1990 | 8,064 | 4.8% | |
| 2000 | 7,661 | −5.0% | |
| 2010 | 9,148 | 19.4% | |
| 2020 | 9,657 | 5.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2010 2020 |
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Bladensburg's Population in 2020
In 2020, there were 9,657 people living in Bladensburg. The town is very diverse. Many different racial and ethnic groups call Bladensburg home.
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 460 | 294 | 5.03% | 3.04% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 5,885 | 5,166 | 64.33% | 53.49% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 18 | 23 | 0.20% | 0.24% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 184 | 124 | 2.01% | 1.28% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 2 | 5 | 0.02% | 0.05% |
| Some Other Race alone (NH) | 19 | 37 | 0.21% | 0.38% |
| Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 117 | 196 | 1.28% | 2.03% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2,463 | 3,812 | 26.92% | 39.47% |
| Total | 9,148 | 9,657 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Bladensburg's Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 9,148 people living in Bladensburg. There were 3,542 households. About 36.2% of households had children under 18. The average household had 2.58 people. The average family had 3.39 people.
The average age in Bladensburg was 31.5 years. About 26.8% of residents were under 18. About 11% were between 18 and 24. The town was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.
Schools in Bladensburg
Students in Bladensburg attend public schools managed by the Prince George's County Public Schools district.
Public Elementary Schools
Several elementary schools serve the town:
- Bladensburg Elementary School
- Port Towns Elementary School
- Rogers Heights Elementary School
- Templeton Elementary School
Bladensburg Elementary has a special program for students learning English. This program helps them succeed in their classes.
Middle and High Schools
The middle school for Bladensburg students is William Wirt Middle School. The main high school for the town is Bladensburg High School. There is also International High School at Langley Park. This school is for students who are new immigrants to the United States.
Private Schools
Elizabeth Seton High School, a private high school, is also located in Bladensburg.
Public Libraries
The Prince George's County Memorial Library System has a branch in Bladensburg. The current library building opened in 2023.
Getting Around Bladensburg
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Several important roads run through or near Bladensburg. U.S. Route 1 Alternate (Baltimore Avenue) goes through the western part of town. Other major state roads include Maryland Route 201 (Kenilworth Avenue) and Maryland Route 450 (Annapolis Road). The closest major highway is the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, which is just east of town.
Famous People from Bladensburg
Some notable people have connections to Bladensburg:
- Caleb T. Bailey: Born in Bladensburg in 1898, he became a Brigadier general in the U.S. Marine Corps.
- Henry Hartley: Born in Bladensburg in 1884, he became a Rear admiral in the U.S. Navy.
- Robert M. Wright: Born in Bladensburg in 1840, he was one of the people who helped found Dodge City, Kansas.
See also
In Spanish: Bladensburg (Maryland) para niños
