National Register Listing

Villa DeSales

a.k.a. Forbes House

22410 Aquasco Rd., Aquasco, MD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

architecture
Harriet Tubman, a famous abolitionist, was born in Maryland: Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and became a famous abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, was born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland. She later returned to Maryland many times to lead other enslaved people to freedom.
Maryland random facts
Prince George's County, Maryland has a rich history dating back to the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century. Originally home to Native American tribes such as the Piscataway and Yaocomico, the area was explored by the English in the early 1600s. In 1696, Prince George's County was established and named after Prince George of Denmark, the husband of Queen Anne. The county became a significant agricultural region, with tobacco being the primary crop.

During the American Revolutionary War, Prince George's County played a crucial role in the fight for independence. Many residents joined the Continental Army, and the county served as a crucial transportation route between Maryland and Virginia. The county's plantations were also centers for pro-Revolutionary activities. Notable figures from Prince George's County, such as Thomas Stone and Samuel Ogle, played important roles in the early days of the United States.

In the 19th century, the county's agricultural economy shifted from tobacco to other crops such as wheat and corn. The construction of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad in the mid-1800s brought significant changes to the region, spurring industrial development and urbanization. Towns and communities grew around the railway stations, leading to the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses.

In the 20th century, Prince George's County experienced rapid population growth and suburbanization. The county became a popular residential area for those working in nearby Washington, D.C., leading to the construction of numerous housing developments. The county also became a hub for government and educational institutions, hosting the University of Maryland and numerous federal agencies. Today, Prince George's County is a dynamic area with a diverse population, a mix of suburban and urban areas, and a thriving economy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Prince George's County, Maryland.

  • 1696: Prince George's County is established by the Maryland General Assembly.
  • 1721: The county courthouse is built in Upper Marlboro.
  • 1776: Prince George's County citizens sign the Declaration of Independence.
  • 1801: The town of Bladensburg becomes the county seat.
  • 1850: The Washington Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad opens in the county.
  • 1864: The Battle of Bladensburg takes place during the American Civil War.
  • 1880s: The establishment of streetcar lines leads to suburban development in the county.
  • 1908: The Washington Senators baseball team moves to Prince George's County and becomes the Washington Nationals.
  • 1930: The University of Maryland, College Park is founded in the county.
  • 1958: The Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) is completed, connecting the county to the surrounding areas.
  • 1974: The Washington Metro Green Line begins service in Prince George's County.