National Register Listing

Taylor, David W., Model Basin

Bounded by MacArthur Blvd. and George Washington Memorial Pkwy., Bethesda, MD
Local significance of the building:
Military; Engineering; Science; Architecture; Invention

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The University of Maryland was founded in 1856: The University of Maryland, College Park, was founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College. Today, it is the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland and is one of the largest universities in the state.
Maryland random facts
Montgomery County, Maryland has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Piscataway and the Seneca. The first European explorers arrived in the 17th century, with English settlers establishing tobacco plantations along the Potomac River. The county was officially formed in 1776, named after General Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War hero.

During the 19th century, Montgomery County remained predominantly agricultural, with farms and small villages dotting the landscape. The construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the 1820s brought economic growth and trade to the county's towns located along the canal route. In 1852, the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad further stimulated development, connecting the county to other parts of Maryland and neighboring states.

In the 20th century, Montgomery County experienced significant suburbanization as Washington, D.C. expanded. The county became an attractive residential area for people working in the nation's capital. The completion of the Capital Beltway in the 1960s facilitated commuting and led to further growth and development. Montgomery County became known for its excellent schools, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving economy, attracting people from various backgrounds and cultures.

Today, Montgomery County is one of the most populous and affluent counties in Maryland. It is home to a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong economy driven by industries such as biotechnology, healthcare, government agencies, and education. The county offers a wide range of recreational amenities, from parks and hiking trails to cultural institutions and shopping centers.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Montgomery County, Maryland.

  • 1694 - Montgomery County established as part of Maryland colony
  • 1700s - Early settlements and growth in agriculture
  • 1776 - Montgomery County residents support American Revolution
  • 1801 - Capital of the United States moves to Washington, D.C., just south of Montgomery County
  • 1850s - Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal brings economic development
  • 1861-1865 - Montgomery County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1873 - Great Montgomery County Fair established
  • 1878 - Founding of the Maryland Agricultural College (now University of Maryland)
  • 1890s - Introduction of electric streetcars
  • 1950s - Suburbanization and rapid population growth
  • 1970s - Construction of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Red Line
  • 1980s - Establishment of technology and biotechnology industries in the county
  • 2000s - Growth of diverse communities and emphasis on environmental sustainability