Prince George's County Maryland

A Historical Overview of Prince George’s County, Maryland

Prince George’s County, commonly called PG County, is one of Maryland’s most historically and culturally significant regions. Established in 1696, it has played a critical role in colonial expansion, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and modern suburban development. The county has transformed from an agricultural powerhouse to a diverse and economically vital region near Washington, D.C., housing important institutions such as Joint Base Andrews, the University of Maryland, and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Pre-Colonial and Indigenous History (Before 1600s)

Before European settlement, Prince George’s County was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, primarily Algonquian-speaking tribes such as the Piscataway.

  • The Potomac and Patuxent Rivers provided rich fishing and hunting grounds.
  • The Piscataway Confederacy controlled much of the region and engaged in trade and diplomacy with European settlers.
  • By the 1600s, European diseases and conflicts led to the displacement of Indigenous communities.

Colonial Era and the Founding of Prince George’s County (1600s–1776)

Establishment of the County (1696)

  • Prince George’s County was created on April 23, 1696, from parts of Calvert and Charles Counties.
  • It was named after Prince George of Denmark, the husband of Queen Anne of England.
  • The county was strategically located between the growing settlements of Annapolis and Washington, D.C.

Tobacco Plantations and Slavery

  • The county’s economy flourished through tobacco cultivation, which required enslaved labor.
  • Large plantations were established along the Patuxent River, making Prince George’s one of the wealthiest regions in Maryland.
  • The county became a center of the transatlantic slave trade, with thousands of enslaved Africans working on plantations.

Development of Towns and Trade

  • The county’s early settlements included Upper Marlboro (founded 1706), Bladensburg, and Nottingham.
  • Bladensburg, located along the Anacostia River, became a major port and trade hub for tobacco exports.

The American Revolution and Early Republic (1775–1800s)

Revolutionary War Contributions

  • Many Prince George’s residents supported the Patriot cause, though some remained loyal to Britain.
  • The county provided soldiers and supplies to the Continental Army.
  • The town of Bladensburg became a key site for military movement.

Post-Revolution Economic Shifts

After the war, tobacco declined, and the county diversified into wheat farming and livestock.

Wealthy landowners built grand estates, many of which still stand today, such as:

  • Montpelier Mansion
  • Darnall’s Chance
  • Oxon Hill Manor

The War of 1812 and the Battle of Bladensburg (1814)

The British Attack on Washington

  • Prince George’s County played a pivotal role in the War of 1812, particularly during the Battle of Bladensburg (August 24, 1814).
  • American forces, including militia from Maryland and Virginia, unsuccessfully attempted to defend Washington against the British.
  • The battle ended in a disastrous defeat for the Americans, allowing the British to march into Washington, D.C., and burn the White House.
  • This battle became infamous as the "Bladensburg Races" because American troops retreated so quickly.

The Civil War and Emancipation (1861–1865)

A Border County with Divided Loyalties

  • Maryland was a border state, and Prince George’s had both Unionists and Confederate sympathizers.
  • The county was a stronghold for slavery, with thousands of enslaved African Americans living on plantations.
  • Some residents joined Confederate forces, while others supported the Union cause.

Slavery and the Underground Railroad

  • Prince George’s County had several Underground Railroad routes, helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
  • Abolitionist movements gained momentum, but slavery was only abolished in 1864, when Maryland passed its new constitution.

Post-War Reconstruction

  • Many formerly enslaved individuals remained in Prince George’s County, establishing African American communities, churches, and schools.
  • Segregation laws still restricted Black residents’ rights and opportunities.

Late 19th and Early 20th Century: Industry, Railroads, and Education (1865–1940s)

Railroads and Economic Growth

  • The Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad expanded through the county, improving transportation and commerce.
  • Agriculture remained dominant, but industries like brickmaking, lumber, and canning developed.

Education and the Rise of the University of Maryland

  • The Maryland Agricultural College (now the University of Maryland, College Park) was founded in 1856.
  • The college played a key role in advancing agriculture, science, and military training.
  • African American students were excluded from public schools and higher education due to segregation.

World War II and the Suburban Boom (1940s–1960s)

Military Presence and National Defense

  • Joint Base Andrews (formerly Andrews Air Force Base) was established in 1942, becoming a key military installation for the U.S. government.
  • The base played a vital role in World War II, the Cold War, and modern U.S. defense operations.

The Growth of Suburbia

After World War II, Prince George’s County experienced a population boom, fueled by:

  • The expansion of the federal government
  • Improved highways and suburban development
  • The opening of Washington Metro lines in the 1970s

Civil Rights and Desegregation

  • During the 1950s and 1960s, civil rights activists fought against school and housing segregation.
  • Prince George’s County became a national leader in school desegregation, though challenges remained.

Modern Prince George’s County: Growth, Diversity, and Innovation (1970s–Present)

Economic and Technological Expansion

  • NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (founded in 1959) became a major hub for space exploration and research.
  • Bowie State University, one of the nation’s oldest historically Black universities (HBCUs), expanded in prominence.

Demographic and Cultural Transformation

  • Prince George’s County is now one of the most diverse and affluent majority-Black counties in the U.S.
  • It has strong African American, Latino, and immigrant communities, enriching its cultural landscape.

Political and Social Influence

The county remains politically influential, with strong leadership in Maryland’s government.

Historic sites, museums, and parks preserve its rich history, including:

  • Bladensburg Waterfront Park
  • Riversdale Mansion
  • Surratt House Museum (linked to Lincoln’s assassination conspiracy)

Conclusion

Prince George’s County has evolved from a tobacco-growing colony to a pivotal battlefield, a Civil War border region, and a modern, thriving suburban county. Its rich African American heritage, military significance, and scientific contributions make it one of Maryland’s most dynamic regions.

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