Projects
ATHA is continually looking to expand and further develop sites of historical and cultural significance throughout Prince George County. Learn more about the projects we are involved with and explore examples of successful partnerships.
In This Section:
External Projects
Battle of Bladensburg
The Battle of Bladensburg was a turning point in the War of 1812 before the burning of Washington, DC and the eventual Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry. Major American figures were on the field that day – James Madison, James Monroe, Joshua Barney, and Francis Scott Key. While the battle was a loss for the American forces, it was also a time when the government realized the need for a stronger unified military.
Prior to the 2000s, there was little to no recognition or available educational interpretation of this battle. However, between 2010 and 2014, in alignment with the national Star-Spangled 200 and statewide commemorations led by then-Governor Martin O’Malley’s Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, the Prince George’s County Committee on the War of 1812 and the Battle of Bladensburg Task Force worked to tell this regional story with international implications in an accurate and visible way. These local groups were successful in attracting the State Highway Administration to do significant archaeological work at Battle-era historic sites – information that is critical in our understanding of the battle.
This website by Anacostia Trails Heritage Area is a collection of the research, events, and efforts made by many during that flurry of excitement and attention of the 200th Anniversary. As intended, those efforts resulted in signage, reports, educational materials, and research that remains incredibly relevant and accessible. Our work is ongoing and we have exciting news to share!
Civil Rights Trail
The Prince George’s County Civil Rights Trail is a public history project focused on regional sites and stories of the national Civil Rights Movement (1954-1964). Each sign details the experiences of Black Marylanders as they fought against segregation and for equality. We recognize that this struggle continues and believe that by illuminating these moments in history, we can increase cultural understanding and inspire acts of reconciliation.
This project was funded by the National Park Service and the Maryland Historical Trust. The project is managed by Anacostia Trails Heritage Area/Maryland Milestones with support from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Black History Program and the Prince George’s County History Consortium. Research and writing by Meagan Baco, Alexander Brooks, Nathan Dennies, and Leigh Walters.
Special thanks to Civil War Trails, Doswell E. Brooks Elementary School, Frederick Douglass High School Alumni Association, The Griffin Estate, Hyattsville CDC, Laurel Historical Society, Laurel History Boys, Openbox9, Prince George’s County Historical Society, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, St. Mark’s Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Town of Upper Marlboro Historic Committee.
PGC 250
The United States Semiquincentennial is the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence which will occur on July 4, 2026.
In 2023, Governor Moore authorized the Maryland 250 Commission and charged it with developing, encouraging, and executing an inclusive observance of the 250th Anniversary that recognizes all Marylanders’ struggle for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness before, during, and after the Revolution, and identified three themes – history, civics, and service.
Here in Prince George’s County, Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA), the non-profit management entity of the county’s state-certified cultural tourism district, together with PG Parks in the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission began convening an ad-hoc group of professionals and volunteers working in the fields of history, education, leadership, volunteerism, civics, placemaking, and others.
The goal of Prince George’s 250 (PGC250) is to create a space for conversation and collaboration to spark ideas and partnerships to creatively illustrate and interpret our region’s contributions to American history. Together, the group has chosen “We The People” as the lens of our approach with a focus on the contributions of Prince Georgians, past and present, to the ongoing American Experiment.
Hosted at historic sites or public libraries, the group meets monthly and offers in person and hybrid attendance options. As a fiscal sponsor, ATHA has been awarded competitive grants from Maryland Humanities and Maryland 250 to fuel this initiative.
We are inviting you, your colleagues, your neighbors, to join in the planning of this opportunity to highlight Prince George’s County’s immense ongoing contributions to America.
Route 1 Ride
The backbone of any region, jurisdiction, or corridor is transportation. If residents, business owners and workers, or visitors cannot get to their destination quickly and inexpensively, economic development stagnates, quality of life declines for citizens, and visitors are unlikely to return.
That’s why the Route 1 Ride was created – an enhanced bus service that serves the Route 1 Corridor, from Mount Rainier to North College Park (location of IKEA). This section of Route 1 is experiencing a renaissance: new apartments and shopping venues in North College Park, residential high-rises and restaurants closer to downtown and the University, a cluster of retail, restaurants, and cultural venues in Hyattsville, and art galleries and schools, artist housing, museums and movement studios in North Brentwood, Brentwood, and Mount Rainier.
Hop on the Route 1 Ride for your usual commute, do errands, and explore the region’s arts and recreational amenities. Whatever your interest, the Route 1 corridor is the place to be in the DC Metro area. Avoid the hassles of traffic and parking, get there quickly and inexpensively by taking the Route 1 Ride bus.
Trolley Trail
The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail is a 3.8-mile-long paved walking, running, biking, rolling, and scooting trail that links the communities of Hyattsville, Riverdale Park, and College Park; and borders Edmonston, University Park and Berwyn Heights. The paved trail is on the former path of streetcar Number 82 from Washington, DC to Laurel, Maryland. Now as a popular commuter and recreational trail, the historic trolley line continues to connect communities. Efforts are underway to extend the Trolley Trail south to Washington, DC through North Brentwood, Brentwood, and Mt. Rainier along U.S. Route 1.
Maintenance of the Trolley Trail is a collaborative effort between five property owners including the City of Hyattsville, Town of Riverdale Park, and City of College Park. With the owners, three regional non-profit partners, Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, College Park City-University Partnership, and Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, work to enhance, program, and promote the trail for commuting and recreation.
Trolley Trail Day
The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail is a 3.8-mile trail that is a recreational and transportation asset – it can also become even more of an economic driver than it is today. By linking the downtowns and commercial areas of three Route 1/Baltimore Avenue Corridor communities, the Trolley Trail serves as a convenient connection between our communities. It is directly connected to the Anacostia River Trail System and Capital Trails Network, a premier regional system of bicycle and pedestrian trails in the DMV.
Currently serving the communities of Hyattsville, Riverdale Park, and College Park, the Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation (M-NCPPC) coordinated initial development of the Trolley Trail and remains a supporting partner with the Route 1/Baltimore Avenue communities for expansion and programming.
Through events like Trolley Trail Day, we can become a greater destination for residents and out-of-town cyclists to explore our small businesses and cultural sites.