The Eagle Harbor Historic District [†] is significant covering recreation, community planning and development, ethnic heritage and social history, and architecture.
Community Establishment and History
The community was established in 1925 as a summer resort for African Americans from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. It was developed during an era of legalized segregation, providing a dedicated space for recreation and relaxation for Black citizens. The property was purchased by Walter L. Bean and subdivided by Edward H. Coulson in 1925. In 1929, Eagle Harbor became the second incorporated African American town in Prince George's County and the third in Maryland. The town was a place where properties were often handed down through generations, which demonstrated the cohesiveness of Black families.
Recreation and Social Life
Early advertisements in Washington and Baltimore newspapers emphasized the healthful aspects of the town's location along the Patuxent River, with activities such as saltwater bathing, boating, fishing, and crabbing. The community also hosted annual outings for church groups, fraternal organizations, and businesses. A steamboat wharf at Trueman Point, an important landmark since the colonial period, facilitated transportation and attracted visitors. The town had a public park on Trueman Point with picnic grounds and a pier.
Architecture and Planning
The historic district includes 97 buildings, 23 structures, and three sites across approximately 61 acres. A majority of the contributing houses were built between 1925 and 1945. The architectural styles from this period included bungalows and vernacular one-story linear plan homes with side gable roofs. The small size and presence of porches on the houses reflect the community's origins as a summer getaway. The town's original street system was laid out in a loose grid that followed the contours of the land. Concrete steps on Elm Trail are a contributing element of the street system. The district retains integrity of location, setting, feeling, and association, which are critical for conveying its historic significance as an African American resort.
† Adapted from: Prince Georges County Planning Commission, March 2025, Staff Recommendation on Eagle Harbor National Register Nomination, Matyland Planning Commission, www.pgplanning.org, accessed August, 2025.
```Nearby Neighborhoods
Street Names
Harbor Road • Hawkins Drive • Lincoln Drive • Walnut Drive