Landover, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Landover, Maryland
|
|
|---|---|
 Landover, Maryland
Location in Maryland
Landover, Maryland
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maryland |
| County |  Prince George's |
| Named for | Llandovery, Wales |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.00 sq mi (10.37 km2) |
| • Land | 4.00 sq mi (10.36 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 25,998 |
| • Density | 6,499.50/sq mi (2,509.46/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
20785
|
| Area code(s) | 301, 240 |
| FIPS code | 24-45325 |
| GNIS feature ID | 597655 |
Landover is a community in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. It is an "unincorporated community," which means it's not a separate town with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county.
In 2020, about 25,998 people lived in Landover. It's located near important roads and is home to some big sports and learning centers.
Contents
History of Landover
Landover got its name from a town called Llandovery in Wales.
Over time, the area known as Landover has changed. In 1990, several smaller communities like Dodge Park and Kentland were separate. By 2000, they all joined together to form a larger area called Greater Landover. Then, in 2010, this combined area was simply renamed Landover.
People and Population
Landover is home to many different people. The number of people living here has changed over the years.
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1970 | 5,597 | — | |
| 1980 | 5,374 | −4.0% | |
| 1990 | 5,052 | −6.0% | |
| 2010 | 23,078 | — | |
| 2020 | 25,998 | 12.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2010 2020 Not enumerated separately in 2000 when it was merged with Dodge Park, Palmer Park and Kentland to form Greater Landover |
|||
Who Lives in Landover?
In 2020, the population of Landover was 25,998. Most residents are Black or African American. There are also many Hispanic or Latino people, and smaller groups of White, Asian, and other races. The community is a mix of different cultures and backgrounds.
Landover's Location and Features
Landover is located in Prince George's County, Maryland. It covers an area of about 4 square miles (10.37 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small amount of water.
Landover is surrounded by several other communities. These include New Carrollton, Glenarden, and Largo. Important roads like U.S. Highway 50 and the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495/95) are nearby.
Important Places in Landover
Landover is known for several key places:
- FedExField: This is a large stadium where the NFL's Washington Commanders football team plays.
- Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex: This is a big center for sports and education.
- Giant Food Corporate Office and Plant: The main office and a food production plant for the Giant Food grocery store chain are located here.
- Transportation Hubs: Landover has important stations for the Washington Metro train system. It also has facilities for Metrobus and train lines like MARC and Amtrak.
Some famous people have connections to Landover, including the late basketball player Len Bias.
Economy and Jobs
Landover has several businesses that provide jobs. The Eight O'Clock Coffee company has a coffee production plant in Landover. The main office for Giant Food is also located nearby in the Ardwick Industrial Park. These businesses help the local economy.
Arts and Culture in Landover
Landover has some historic places that are recognized nationally. These include Beall's Pleasure and Ridgley Methodist Episcopal Church.
Every May, the Kentland-Columbia Park Community Center in Landover hosts a Harlem Renaissance Festival. This event celebrates the rich history and culture of the Harlem Renaissance period.
Sports in Landover
Landover is a big place for sports fans!
Commanders Field, also known as FedExField, is a famous football stadium. It's the home field for the Washington Commanders, a team in the National Football League (NFL).
Years ago, the Washington Wizards (basketball) and Washington Capitals (hockey) used to play in an arena in Landover called the Capital Centre. That arena was later torn down in 2002.
The Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex is also in Landover. It's a large area with facilities for many different sports and learning activities.
Education for Kids
Landover is part of the Prince George's County Public Schools system. This means students in Landover attend public schools run by the county.
Local Schools
There are several elementary, middle, and high schools that serve students in Landover:
- Elementary Schools: Columbia Park, Dodge Park, Cooper Lane, Gladys Noon Spellman, Highland Park, William Paca, Kenmoor, Palmer Park, Cora L. Rice, and Thomas Pullen Creative & Performing Arts Academy.
- Middle Schools: G. James Gholson, Kenmoor, and Charles Carroll.
- High Schools: Fairmont Heights, Charles Herbert Flowers, DuVal, and Bladensburg.
Some schools have changed over time. For example, Matthew Henson Elementary School closed in 2009, but a new charter school called EXCEL Academy later opened in its place.
Colleges and Universities
For older students, Landover has had career-focused colleges. These schools offer programs to help students learn skills for specific jobs, like medical assisting.
Getting Around Landover
Landover has good transportation options, making it easy to get around.
Metro Trains and Buses
Landover is served by the Washington Metro train system. The Orange, Blue, and Silver lines all have stops here.
- The Landover Metro station serves the northern part of the community.
- The Morgan Boulevard Metro station serves the southern part. This station is especially helpful for getting to Commanders Field.
Landover also has a special Metrobus center. Many buses that serve routes in Prince George's County are housed here. Residents can also easily reach other nearby Metro stations like New Carrollton and Downtown Largo.
Major Roads
Important highways cross through Landover. The Capital Beltway (I-495/95) meets U.S. Route 50 here. The Beltway also connects to Maryland Route 202 (Landover Road) and Brightseat Road, which leads directly to FedExField.
Shopping in Landover
Landover used to be home to the Landover Mall. This mall opened in 1972 and was a big shopping spot in the Washington, D.C. area. It had many popular stores like Hecht's and Sears.
Over the years, stores closed, and the mall eventually shut down in 2003. Most of it was torn down in 2006, except for the Sears store, which also closed later.
Today, the area where the mall once stood is used for parking for FedExField. There are also plans to build new homes, stores, and offices there in the future.
Parks and Recreation
The Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation manages community centers in Landover. These include the Kentland Community Center and the Palmer Park Community Center. These centers offer programs and activities for local residents.
See also
In Spanish: Landover (Maryland) para niños
