North Brentwood Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
North Brentwood Historic District
|
|
North Brentwood Historic District, December 2010
|
|
 Location in District of Columbia
|
|
| Location | Roughly bounded by 39th Pl., Allison St., Rhode Island Ave. and Webster St., North Brentwood, Maryland |
|---|---|
| Area | 50 acres (20 ha) |
| Built | 1891 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements |
| NRHP reference No. | 03001174 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 2003 |
The North Brentwood Historic District is a special area in North Brentwood, Maryland. It's like a time capsule that shows how one of the very first African American communities in Prince George's County, Maryland grew and developed. This district has 128 old buildings that tell stories from 1891 to 1950.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. This means it's officially recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special area that has many old buildings. These buildings are important because of their history or their unique design. When an area becomes a historic district, it means people want to protect its past. This helps future generations learn about how people lived long ago.
The Story of North Brentwood
North Brentwood is a very important place in Maryland. It was the first town in Prince George's County to be officially started by African Americans. This happened at a time when many African Americans were looking for places to build their own communities. They wanted to create towns where they could live and work freely.
Early Beginnings
The town of North Brentwood began in 1891. It was a time when many people were moving to suburban areas. These areas were just outside big cities. North Brentwood offered a chance for African American families to own land and build homes. This was a big step towards independence and community building.
Homes Through the Years
The houses in the North Brentwood Historic District show how building styles changed over time.
- Early Homes (1891-early 1900s): Many of the first homes were made of wood. They often had a style called "Late Victorian." These houses had interesting details and designs.
- 1920s Homes: As the town grew, new types of houses appeared. These included smaller, cozy homes called bungalows. There were also multi-family houses, which could hold more than one family. Larger, square-shaped homes known as Foursquares were also built.
- After World War II: In the years right after World War II, many small brick cottages were built. These homes helped house the growing number of families in the area.
All these buildings show what typical homes looked like for working-class families during that time. They tell a story of hard work, community spirit, and growth.
Why is This District Important?
The North Brentwood Historic District is important for several reasons:
- Pioneering Community: It was the first African American community in Prince George's County to be officially recognized. This makes it a symbol of progress and self-determination.
- Architectural History: The district shows different building styles from 1891 to 1950. It helps us understand how architecture changed over time.
- Community Life: The homes and streets reflect the daily lives of working-class families. They show how people built a strong community together.
By protecting places like the North Brentwood Historic District, we make sure that these important stories are not forgotten. We can learn a lot from the people who built these homes and created this vibrant community.
