Fairmount Heights Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fairmont Heights Historic District
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Grace United Methodist Church
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 56th Ave., Sheriff Rd., Balsamtree Dr., 62nd St. 62nd Pl., Eastern Ave., Fairmount Heights, Maryland |
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| Area | 144 acres (58 ha) |
| Built | 1900 |
| Architect | W. Sidney Pittman |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Tudor, American Foursquare, Bungalow/Craftsman, Minimal Traditional, Ranch |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000821 |
| Added to NRHP | November 18, 2011 |
The Fairmont Heights Historic District is a special area in Fairmount Heights, Maryland. It covers about 144 acres (58 hectares). This district is famous because it was one of the very first communities planned for African Americans near Washington, DC.
Most of the houses in this area were built between 1900 and 1960. You can also find the original town hall, built in 1908. The first public school for African-American students in the county, built in 1912, is also here. There are five churches and a community center too. These places were very important for people working for civil rights during a time called segregation.
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Discovering Fairmont Heights
Fairmont Heights is a neighborhood with a rich past. It shows how communities can grow and change over time. Many of its buildings tell stories of the people who lived there.
A Community Built on Purpose
This district was carefully planned from the start. It was designed to be a place where African-American families could own homes. This was a big deal at a time when many people faced unfair housing rules. The community offered a chance for a better life.
Homes and Styles
The houses in Fairmont Heights show different styles of architecture. You can see homes built in the Colonial Revival style. There are also Tudor, American Foursquare, and Bungalow/Craftsman designs. Later homes include Minimal Traditional and Ranch styles. This mix of styles shows how the community grew over many years.
Important Buildings and Their Stories
Fairmont Heights has several buildings that played a key role in its history. These places were more than just structures. They were centers for community life and change.
The Town Hall
The original town hall was built in 1908. This building was the heart of local government. It was where important decisions were made for the community. It helped residents manage their own affairs.
The First Public School
In 1912, the first public school for African-American children in the county opened here. This school was vital for education. It gave young people a chance to learn and grow. It also showed the community's dedication to its children's future.
Churches and Community Centers
The district includes five churches and a community center. These places were very important during the time of segregation. Segregation was when laws kept people of different races apart. These buildings became safe spaces. They were used for meetings and organizing. People worked together here to fight for equal rights. They were centers of political activism.
Why Fairmont Heights is Historic
The Fairmont Heights Historic District is recognized as a very important place. It tells a big part of American history.
Joining the National Register
The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect these places. It also helps people learn about their past. When it was listed, the name was spelled "Fairmont."
A Legacy of Strength
Fairmont Heights stands as a symbol of strength and community. It shows how people built a thriving neighborhood. They did this even when facing many challenges. The district reminds us of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans. It highlights their fight for equality and self-determination.
