109-592: District Heights is an incorporated municipality in Prince George's County, Maryland , United States, located near Maryland Route 4 . Per the 2020 census , the population was 5,959. For more information, see the separate articles on Forestville and Suitland . District Heights is located 9.85 miles (15.85 km) from central Washington . District Heights is located at 38°51′34″N 76°53′21″W / 38.85944°N 76.88917°W / 38.85944; -76.88917 (38.859545, −76.889139). According to
218-481: A 'AAA' bond rating to Prince George's County on August 25, 2011, re-affirming the county's stable financial outlook. Earlier in 2011, the county received 'AAA' status from Standard & Poor's and Moody's . 'AAA' bond ratings are the highest possible bond ratings a jurisdiction can receive. As part of the increasingly liberal D.C. suburbs and a nationwide suburban shift towards the Democrats, Prince George's County
327-672: A 14-year-old slave girl poisoned her owner, John H. Bayne , and his family in 1831. Water taxi service connects National Harbor to other destinations along the Potomac. Several historic sites, including Jones Point Lighthouse, can be viewed from the harbor front. Piscataway Park in Accokeek preserves many acres of woodland and wetlands along the Potomac River opposite Mount Vernon, Virginia. River Road in Fort Washington also yields great views of
436-452: A County-wide fixed-route bus system, and the Call-A-Bus service for passengers who do not have access to or have difficulty using fixed-route bus service. Call-A-Bus is a demand-response service which generally requires 14-days advance reservations. The county also offers a subsidized taxicab service for elderly and disabled residents called Call-A-Cab in which eligible customers who sign up for
545-514: A Maryland politician who became an abolitionist after watching a speech by Frederick Douglass , led a referendum campaign to end slavery in the state. In 1864, the citizens of Maryland voted to end slavery. However the state was so divided that the referendum won by only 1,000 votes. Lincoln then ordered the Union Army to enforce the ban in Maryland and all enslaved people in the state were freed. After
654-602: A bi-county planning and parks agency in the M-NCPPC and a public bi-county water and sewer utility in the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Since 1792, the county seat has been Upper Marlboro . Prior to 1792, the county seat was located at Mount Calvert, a 76-acre (308,000 m ) estate along the Patuxent River on the edge of what is now in the unincorporated community of Croom . Since 1991,
763-407: A combination system staffed by over 800 career firefighters and paramedics, and nearly 1,100 active volunteers. County law has, for years, required Animal Control to seize all pit bulls from their owners if they become aware of them. This is controversial and Animal Control itself objects to this law. It has routinely required them to act when they see such a dog behaving peacefully inside of
872-507: A combined question and a MENA category, while also collecting additional detail to enable data disaggregation. The OMB states, "many federal programs are put into effect based on the race data obtained from the decennial census (i.e., promoting equal employment opportunities; assessing racial disparities in health and environmental risks). Race data is also critical for the basic research behind many policy decisions. States require this data to meet legislative redistricting requirements. The data
981-513: A major exit off the I-95 beltway, running east to west, is one of two main roads in this portion of the county. The other major roadway is Old Crain Highway , which runs north to south along the eastern portion of the county. The Newton White Mansion on the grounds is a popular site for weddings and political events. Joint Base Andrews , Bowie State University and Prince George's Community College are in
1090-519: A person's origins considered in the census. Thus, in addition to their race or races, all respondents are categorized by membership in one of two ethnic categories, which are "Hispanic or Latino" and "Not Hispanic or Latino." However, the practice of separating "race" and "ethnicity" as different categories has been criticized both by the American Anthropological Association and members of US Commission on Civil Rights . In 1997,
1199-520: A private home merely because Animal Control is checking something unrelated. The Prince George's County Delegation represents the county via 23 delegates in the Maryland House of Delegates . Eight senators represent the county in the Maryland State Senate . In the 118th Congress , most of Prince George's County is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Glenn Ivey (D) of
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#17328690243081308-520: A race. Enumerators were instructed that all people born in Mexico, or whose parents were born in Mexico, should be listed as Mexicans, and not under any other racial category. In prior censuses and in 1940, enumerators were instructed to list Mexican Americans as white, perhaps because some of them were of white background (mainly Spanish), many others mixed white and Native American and some of them Native American. The supplemental American Indian questionnaire
1417-719: A referendum to be under the sole jurisdiction of Montgomery County, and subsequent approval by both counties and the Maryland General Assembly . This was the first change in Montgomery/Prince George's County line boundaries since 1968, when the City of Laurel was unified in Prince George's County; additional legislation was proposed in 1990 for a technical correction, though may not have achieved enactment. The county's population nearly reached one million residents in
1526-435: A set of self-identified categories of race and ethnicity chosen by residents, with which they most closely identify. Residents can indicate their origins alongside their race, and are asked specifically whether they are of Hispanic or Latino origin in a separate question. The racial categories represent a social-political construct for the race or races that respondents consider themselves to be and, "generally reflect
1635-498: A social definition of race recognized in this country". The OMB defines the concept of race as outlined for the census to be not "scientific or anthropological", and takes into account "social and cultural characteristics as well as ancestry", using "appropriate scientific methodologies" that are not "primarily biological or genetic in reference." The race categories include both racial and national-origin groups. Race and ethnicity are considered separate and distinct identities, with
1744-518: A state-of-the-art acute care teaching hospital, and Fort Washington Medical Center. Hospice of the Chesapeake has offices in Largo, with a staff that serves patients in their homes, including skilled nursing, senior living and assisted living facilities. The Prince George's County Volunteer Firemen's Association was formed in 1922 with several of the first companies organized in the county. The first members of
1853-460: A town center and riverside shopping and living development on the Potomac. The National Harbor, and its associated entertainment ( MGM National Harbor ) and shopping ( Tanger Outlets ) districts, have become a major tourist and convention attraction, with significant hotel accommodations, eateries and shopping. Together, these projects were built on land formerly occupied by the Salubria plantation, where
1962-454: A wooded reserve adjacent to the planned environmental community of Greenbelt, and University Park , a collection of historic homes adjacent to the University of Maryland. Riversdale Mansion , along with the historic homes of Berwyn Heights , Mt. Rainier and Hyattsville , along with Langley Park are also located in this area. Lake Artemesia and the surrounding park were constructed during
2071-671: A year until she was fully sworn in as Chief of Police in October 2013. Her contract as Chief for the District Heights Police Department was not renewed after May 2014 City Mayoral and Commission elections. Several members stated a difference of opinion. Chief Elliott Gibson was hired in May 2014, as Police Chief. Chief Gibson had a long history and experience in law enforcement. Chief Gibson received numerous commendations and awards for his community service during his tenure. Chief Gibson
2180-495: Is "Prince George's County, Maryland". The county is named after Prince George of Denmark (1653–1708), the consort of Anne, Queen of Great Britain , and the brother of King Christian V of Denmark and Norway . The county's demonym is Prince Georgian, and its motto is Semper Eadem (English: "Ever the Same" ), a phrase used by Queen Anne . Prince George's County is frequently referred to as "PG" or "PG County", an abbreviation which
2289-496: Is a Democratic stronghold, having voted majority-Democratic in every presidential election but four since 1932: Dwight D. Eisenhower 's landslide elections in 1952 and 1956 , and Richard Nixon 's two candidacies in 1968 and 1972 . It has not given over 15% of the vote to the Republican nominee since 2004 , and was Joe Biden 's second strongest county in the country (and third-best county equivalent after Washington, D.C. ) in
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#17328690243082398-469: Is a blend of the greenery of the rural tier and the new development of central county. The communities of Clinton , Oxon Hill , Temple Hills including Hillcrest Heights , and Fort Washington are the largest areas of south county. It is the only portion of Prince George's County to enjoy the Potomac River waterfront, and that geographic distinction has yielded the rise of the National Harbor project:
2507-654: Is currently under-construction and slated to open in 2026. The Purple Line will provide connections to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority 's Red Line via Northern Prince George's County and Montgomery County. The Orange Line and MARC Train 's Penn Line will have transfer points at New Carrollton station . The MARC Train (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) train service has two lines that traverse Prince George's County. The Camden Line , which runs between Baltimore Camden Station and Washington Union Station and has six stops in
2616-479: Is divided into nine councilmanic districts, whose number designations wind roughly from north to south. Two at-large council seats were added in 2018. Prince George's County is part of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of the state of Maryland and holds 23 of the 32 total circuit court judges in the circuit (which includes Calvert, Charles, Prince George's, and St. Mary's counties). Fitch Ratings assigned
2725-530: Is from the Indian subcontinent ) were counted as White. There was a questionnaire that was asked of only a sample of respondents. These questions were as follows: Questions on Spanish or Hispanic Origin or Descent Is this person's origin or descent? Mexican Puerto Rican Cuban Central American Other Spanish No, none of these This year added several options to the race question, including Vietnamese, Indian (East), Guamanian, Samoan, and re-added Aleut. Again,
2834-591: Is needed to monitor compliance with the Voting Rights Act by local jurisdictions". Data on ethnic groups are important for putting into effect a number of federal statutes (i.e., enforcing bilingual election rules under the Voting Rights Act and monitoring/enforcing equal employment opportunities under the Civil Rights Act ). Data on ethnic groups is also needed by local governments to run programs and meet legislative requirements (i.e., identifying segments of
2943-476: Is now Suitland CDP , near District Heights. Berkshire Elementary closed in 2009. The Prince George's County Memorial Library System operates the Spauldings Branch Library near District Heights. The library opened to the public in 1987 and is named after the area's original 19th century Spaldings election district (which changed in spelling to Spauldings in the 20th century when the election district
3052-481: Is the subject of debate, some residents viewing it as a pejorative and others holding neutral feelings toward the term or even preferring the abbreviation over the full name. The Cretaceous Era brought dinosaurs to the area that left fossils now preserved in a 7.5-acre (3.0 ha) park in Laurel . The site, which among other finds has yielded fossilized teeth from Astrodon and Priconodon species, has been called
3161-421: The 2020 presidential election , only behind Kalawao County, Hawaii , awarding him 89.26% of the vote. Prince George's County is serviced by multiple law enforcement agencies . The Prince George's County Police Department is the primary police service for county residents residing in unincorporated areas of the county. In addition, the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office acts as the enforcement arm of
3270-633: The 4th district and Steny Hoyer (D) of the 5th district . A small part of the northwestern portion of the county is represented by Jamie Raskin (D) of the 8th district . The County contains a 28-mile portion of the 65-mile-long Capital Beltway . After a decades-long debate, an east–west toll freeway, the Intercounty Connector ("ICC"), which extends Interstate 370 in Montgomery County to connect I-270 with Interstate 95 and U.S. 1 in Laurel , opened in 2012. An 11.5-mile portion of
3379-601: The Prince George's County Sheriff's Office that outlines mutual aid assistance. Assistance is also provided by neighboring municipal agencies. Officers serve the City Commission and the citizens who reside in and around the Municipal Corporation of District Heights. District Heights is located within the 8th District of the Prince George's County Police Department. The two agencies work closely together responding to calls for service as well as solving crimes. Although
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3488-836: The Secretary of State , directed US Marshals to collect data from all 13 original states, and from the Southwest Territory . The census was not conducted in Vermont until 1791, after that state's admission to the Union as the 14th state on March 4 of that year. Some doubt surrounded the numbers, as President George Washington and Thomas Jefferson maintained the population was undercounted. The potential reasons Washington and Jefferson may have thought this could be refusal to participate, poor public transportation and roads, spread-out population, and restraints of current technology. No microdata from
3597-479: The U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 499 square miles (1,290 km ), of which 483 square miles (1,250 km ) is land and 16 square miles (41 km ) (3.2%) is water. Prince George's County lies in the Atlantic coastal plain , and its landscape is characterized by gently rolling hills and valleys. Along its western border with Montgomery County, Adelphi , Calverton and West Laurel rise into
3706-469: The US Constitution and applicable laws. The law required that every household be visited, that completed census schedules be posted in two of the most public places within each jurisdiction, remain for the inspection of all concerned, and that "the aggregate amount of each description of persons" for every district be transmitted to the president . The US Marshals were also responsible for governing
3815-522: The United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 0.93 square miles (2.41 km), all land. District Heights was originally farmland owned by Major Leander P. Williams, purchased as four patented Lord Baltimore tracts known as: "Good Luck," "Magruder's Plains Enlarged," "the Levels," and "Offutt's Adventure." Under grants issued to Lord Baltimore by King Charles I of Great Britain ,
3924-671: The War of 1812 , the British marched through the county by way of Bladensburg to burn the White House. On their return, they kidnapped a prominent doctor, William Beanes . Lawyer Francis Scott Key was asked to negotiate for his release, which resulted in his writing " The Star-Spangled Banner ". Prince George's County had the highest population of slaves within the state of Maryland. These enslaved Africans engaged in forced labor on tobacco farms and plantations throughout Prince George's County. During
4033-494: The census of 2010, there were 5,837 people, 2,050 households, and 1,505 families residing in the city. The population density was 6,276.3 inhabitants per square mile (2,423.3/km). There were 2,212 housing units at an average density of 2,378.5 per square mile (918.3/km). The racial makeup of the city was 6.0% White , 90.1% African American , 0.2% Native American , 0.6% Asian , 1.1% from other races , and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.7% of
4142-555: The county court , and also shares some patrol responsibility with the county police. County parks are serviced by the Prince George's County Division of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police . Besides the county-level services, all but one of the 27 local municipalities maintain police departments that share jurisdiction with the county police services. Furthermore, the Maryland State Police enforces
4251-570: The piedmont , exceeding 300 feet (91 m) in elevation. The Patuxent River forms the county's eastern border with Howard , Anne Arundel , Charles and Calvert counties. Terrain, culture, and demographics differ significantly by location within the county. There are five key regions to Prince George's County: North County, Central County, the Rural Tier, the Inner Beltway, and South County. These regions are not formally defined, however, and
4360-417: The "Color or Race" question was slightly modified, removing the term "Mulatto". Also, there was an inclusion of an "Indian Population Schedule" in which "enumerators were instructed to use a special expanded questionnaire for American Indians living on reservations or in family groups off of reservations." This expanded version included the question "Fraction of person's lineage that is white." The 1910 census
4469-513: The 1790 population census are available, but aggregate data for small areas and their compatible cartographic boundary files, can be downloaded from the National Historical Geographic Information System . However, the categories of "Free white males" of 16 years and upward, including heads of families under 16 years, "Free white females", including heads of families, All other free persons, and "Slaves," existed in
District Heights, Maryland - Misplaced Pages Continue
4578-569: The 1940s, when several developers constructed affordable, single-family, houses with financing from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), anticipating sales to federal employees and veterans returning from World War II. In 1946, the remaining and undeveloped 300-acres was bought and developed by New York City builder Samuel R. Rosoff, who established Washington Estates, Inc., thus adding additional tracts to District Heights which include areas now occupied by garden apartments. As of
4687-414: The 2000 and 2010 censuses. The following questions were asked of a sample of respondents for the 1990 census : The 1990 census was not designed to capture multiple racial responses, and when individuals marked the "other" race option and provided a multiple write-in. The response was assigned according to the race written first. "For example, a write-in of 'black-white' was assigned a code of 'black,' while
4796-649: The 2020 census. It was the largest and highest-income black-majority county in the United States until the 2020 census, when it was surpassed by Charles County. Hispanic residents grew in number to 21% of the total population. The county experienced a dramatic drop in crime, including record drops in violent crime, although in 2021 and 2022, violent crime increased by 30%. From 2020 to mid-2022 over 2,200 residents died of COVID-19, over 19,000 county residents were left with long-term post-COVID symptoms and over 193,000 COVID infections had been recorded. According to
4905-502: The 32.5-mile-long Baltimore–Washington Parkway runs from the county's border with Washington, D.C., to its border with Anne Arundel County near Laurel. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority operates Metrobus fixed-route bus service and Metrorail heavy-rail passenger service in and out of the county as well as the regional MetroAccess paratransit system for the handicapped. The Prince George's County Department of Public Works and Transportation also operates TheBus ,
5014-551: The Bladensburg waterfront, Kenilworth parks, and downtown D.C. Fairmont Heights is the second oldest African-American-majority municipality in Prince George's County. The Fairmount Heights Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. Bowie is best known as a planned Levittown . William Levitt in the 1960s built traditional homes, as well as California contemporaries along U.S. Route 50 ,
5123-549: The Central region, as well as County government offices. The inner beltway communities of Capitol Heights , District Heights , Fairmont Heights , Forestville , Suitland , Hillcrest Heights , Oxon Hill, and Seat Pleasant border neighboring District of Columbia's northeastern and southeastern quadrants. The area has easy access to Metro's blue line , commercial centers, Maryland Route 214, and Interstate 95/Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway). Protected bike trails connect residents to
5232-605: The Civil War, hundreds of enslaved black men in Prince George's County were given freedom in exchange for joining the Union Army and fighting in Colored units against Confederate Forces. When Abraham Lincoln ordered the end of slavery in America, he did not free the slaves in Maryland because he was concerned that slave owning Maryland would revolt and Washington D.C. would then be surrounded by Confederate forces. However John Pendleton Kennedy ,
5341-409: The Civil War, many African Americans attempted to become part of Maryland politics, but were met with violent repression after the fall of Reconstruction . In April 1865, John Wilkes Booth made his escape through Prince George's County while en route to Virginia after killing President Abraham Lincoln . The proportion of African Americans declined during the first half of the 20th century, but
5450-531: The District Heights Post Office (Zip Code 20747) in an unincorporated area next to the city limits. The post office is named for former and longtime town mayor E. Michael Roll, who championed its establishment. The District Heights Police Department (DHPD) is the primary law enforcement agency for the City of District Heights which is located in Prince George's County, Maryland. An agreement exists with Prince George's County Police Department and
5559-512: The OMB built on the 1997 guidelines and suggested the addition of a Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) racial category and considered combining racial and ethnic categories into one question. In March 2024, the Office of Management and Budget published revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity that included
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#17328690243085668-405: The OMB issued a Federal Register notice regarding revisions to the standards for the classification of federal data on race and ethnicity. The OMB developed race and ethnic standards in order to provide "consistent data on race and ethnicity throughout the federal government ". The development of the data standards stem in large measure from new responsibilities to enforce civil rights laws. Among
5777-424: The Potomac. Fort Washington Park was a major battery and gives access to the public for tours of the fort, scenic access to the river and other picnic grounds. Oxon Hill Manor offers a working farm and plantation mansion for touring; His Lordship's Kindness is another major historic home. Also, Fort Foote is an old American Civil War fort and tourist destination. Prince George's and Montgomery Counties share
5886-527: The area just beyond the Beltway to the west and south of central county, though with direct access by Route 210, while bounded on the west by the communities Accokeek and Fort Washington , and the east by the Patuxent River . Prince George's origins are in this part of the county. Most of this area contains the unincorporated parishes, villages and lost towns of Prince George's County. Largely under postal designations of " Upper Marlboro " or " Brandywine ", in truth
5995-723: The arrest of former District Heights Police Chief David Michael Crawford in connection to a dozen fires between 2011 and 2020. In March 2022 Crawford entered an Alford plea to one count of first-degree arson for setting a garage in Jefferson, Frederick County, ablaze on April 3, 2018, while the occupants of the attached home were in bed; he awaits sentencing while active arson cases against Crawford in Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George's counties continue. Prince George's County Police Department District 8 Station in Upper Marlboro CDP serves
6104-448: The association were Hyattsville , Cottage City , Mount Rainier , and Brentwood . In March 1966, the Prince George's County Government employed the firefighters who had been hired by individual volunteer stations and an organized career department was begun. The career firefighters and paramedics are represented by IAFF 1619. Prince George's County Fire/Rescue Operations consists of 45 Fire/EMS stations. Prince George's County became
6213-402: The average family size was 3.36. In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.8% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.1 males. The median income for a household in the city
6322-418: The census form. In 1800 and 1810, the age question regarding free white males was more detailed with five cohorts and included All other free persons, except "Indians not taxed", and "Slaves". The 1820 census built on the questions asked in 1810 by asking age questions about slaves. Also the term "colored" entered the census nomenclature. In addition, a question stating "Number of foreigners not naturalized"
6431-418: The census. About one-third of the original census data has been lost or destroyed since documentation. The data was lost in 1790–1830, and included data from Connecticut , Delaware , Georgia , Maine , Maryland , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New York , North Carolina , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , South Carolina , Vermont , and Virginia . However, the census was proven factual and
6540-483: The changes, The OMB issued the instruction to "mark one or more races" after noting evidence of increasing numbers of mixed-race children and wanting to record diversity in a measurable way after having received requests by people who wanted to be able to acknowledge theirs and their children's full ancestry, rather than identifying with only one group. Prior to this decision, the census and other government data collections asked people to report singular races. As of 2023,
6649-539: The city had approximately 25 homes built, two businesses, a grocery store and filling station, a pump house and water tower to furnish the water and pressure for the City, a sewage system and a free Model T bus service to 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. The Town of District Heights was incorporated in 1936 and recognized by act of the Maryland General Assembly. Many of the Cape Cod style houses seen today date to
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#17328690243086758-403: The city. The population density was 6,649.1 inhabitants per square mile (2,567.2/km). There were 2,170 housing units at an average density of 2,421.7 per square mile (935.0/km). The racial makeup of the city was 9.20% White , 87.95% African American , 0.12% Native American , 0.86% Asian , 0.20% from other races , and 1.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.49% of
6867-517: The community. The city is served by the Prince George's County Public Schools and District 7 of the County's Board of Education. Elementary schools that serve the city include: Middle schools that serve the city include: High schools that serve the city include: Francis Scott Key Elementary School is neither in the city, nor serves the city, but has a District Heights postal address. The district previously operated Berkshire Elementary School in what
6976-713: The completion of the Washington Metro Green Line , and it incorporates a stocked fishing lake and serves as the trail-head for an extensive Anacostia Tributary Trails system that runs along the Anacostia River and its tributaries. The south and central tracts of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center also lie in this part of the county; the north tract lies north of the Patuxent River in Anne Arundel County . Central County, located on
7085-592: The county at Riverdale , College Park , Greenbelt , Muirkirk , Laurel and Laurel Race Track . The Penn Line runs on the Amtrak route between Pennsylvania and Washington Union stations. It has three stops in the county: Bowie State , Seabrook and New Carrollton . African American (U.S. Census) In the United States census , the US Census Bureau and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) define
7194-432: The county has slowly moved government functions from rural Upper Marlboro to the Largo area, closer to the center of population, while proposals to move the actual county seat remain controversial. Prince George's County was granted a charter form of government in 1970 with the county executive elected as the head of the executive branch and the county council members as the leadership of the legislative branch. The county
7303-747: The county is anchored by the Capital Beltway and the Baltimore–Washington Parkway . Hyattsville developed early in the 20th century due to its proximity to rail transportation and U.S. Highway 1. Laurel is experiencing a population boom with the construction of the Inter-County Connector . The key employers in this region are the University of Maryland , Beltsville Agricultural Research Center , and NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center . Areas of geographic distinction include Greenbelt Park ,
7412-951: The county such as the US Park Police , US Postal Police , the 316th Security Forces Squadron (specifically covering Andrews AFB ), and other federal police located on various federal property within the county. In addition, nearly all of the incorporated cities and towns in the county have their own municipal police force. Notable exceptions include the city of College Park . Prince George's County hospitals include Bowie Health Center, Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital & Nursing Center in Cheverly, Laurel Regional Hospital in Laurel, Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton, University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center,
7521-557: The crime rate as reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is twenty~two percent higher than the national average, this number represents both the non-corporate and corporate portions of District Heights. The District Heights Police Department began in 1936. Over the years, it has seen many different officers. In 2012, Chief Michael March (Ret) retired, sparking the City Commission to temporarily appoint Chief (Fmr) Yolanda Alexander. Chief Alexander served as acting Chief for more than
7630-630: The decision and make sure the federal government treated Hispanics as white. The State Department, the Census Bureau, the Labor Department, and other government agencies therefore made sure to uniformly classify people of Mexican descent as white. This policy encouraged the League of United Latin American Citizens in its quest to minimize discrimination by asserting their whiteness. The 1940 census
7739-536: The design of the population questionnaire. Residents were still listed individually, but a new questionnaire sheet was used for each family. Additionally, this was the first year that the census distinguished among different Asian ethnic groups, such as Japanese and Chinese , due to increased immigration. This census also marked the beginning of the term "race" in the questionnaires. Enumerators were instructed to write "White", "Black", "Mulatto", " Quadroon ", "Octoroon", "Chinese", "Japanese", or " Indian ". During 1900,
7848-511: The eastern outskirts of the Capital Beltway, consists of Mitchellville , Woodmore , Greater Upper Marlboro , Springdale , Largo , and Bowie . According to the 2010 census, it has generally been the fastest growing region of the county. Mitchellville is named for a wealthy African American family, the Mitchells, who owned a large portion of land in this area of the county. Central Avenue ,
7957-412: The eastern portion of Washington, D.C. As of the 2020 U.S. census , the population was 967,201, making it the second-most populous county in Maryland , behind neighboring Montgomery County . The 2020 census counted an increase of nearly 104,000 in the previous ten years. Its county seat is Upper Marlboro . It is the most populous African American-majority county in the United States , as well as
8066-456: The existence of most of this data can be confirmed in many secondary sources pertaining to the first census. Census data included the name of the head of the family and categorized inhabitants as: free white males at least 16 years of age (to assess the country's industrial and military potential), free white males under 16 years of age, free white females, all other free persons (reported by sex and color), and slaves . Thomas Jefferson , then
8175-534: The first jurisdiction in Maryland to implement the 9-1-1 Emergency Reporting System in 1973. Advanced life support services began for citizens of the county in 1977. Firefighters were certified as Cardiac Rescue Technicians and deployed in what was called at the time Mobile Intensive Care Units to fire stations in Brentwood, Silver Hill , and Laurel . As of 2007, the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department operates
8284-480: The free inhabitants schedule about color was a column that was to be left blank if a person were white, marked "B" if a person were black, and marked "M" if a person were mulatto . Slaves were listed by owner, and classified by gender and age, not individually, and the question about color was a column that was to be marked with a "B" if the slave were black and an "M" if mulatto. For 1890, the Census Office changed
8393-665: The junction of Marbury Drive and Kipling Parkway. There is also a neighborhood mini-park on Lakehurst Street in North Forestville and a small Maryland National Capital Park next to the North Forestville Elementary School. The only highway passing directly through District Heights is Maryland Route 458 . MD 458 connects southwest to Maryland Route 5 , which provides access to Washington, D.C., and Interstate 95 / Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway). The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro Bus) serves
8502-462: The key highway to the eastern shore and the state capital of Annapolis . Bowie has currently grown to be the largest city in Prince George's County, with more than 50,000 people. It also has a large Caucasian population, compared to much of the county (48% of the population). Housing styles vary from the most contemporary to century-old homes in Bowie's antique district (formerly known as Huntingtown), where
8611-606: The law on state highways which pass through the county with the exception of Maryland Route 200 where the Maryland Transportation Authority Police is the primary law enforcement agency and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police patrol the state parks and navigable waterways located within the county. Along with the state and local law enforcement agencies, the federal government also maintains several departments that service citizens of
8720-506: The most prolific in the eastern United States. In the mid to late Holocene era, the area was occupied by Paleo-Native Americans and then, later, Native Americans. When the first European settlers arrived, what is now Prince George's County was inhabited by people of the Piscataway Indian Nation . Three branches of the tribe are still living today, two of which are headquartered in Prince George's County. Prince George's County
8829-634: The park's Jug Bay Natural Area and the Patuxent Riverkeeper in Queen Anne both offer canoeing and kayaking rentals on the Patuxent. The county's largest collection of tobacco planter mansions and preserved homes are in the rural tier, some managed by the M-NCPPC. Many rural tier roads have scenic highway preservation status. Rosaryville State Park is in the county, not far from the county seat. South County
8938-596: The population who may not be receiving medical services under the Public Health Service Act ; evaluating whether financial institutions are meeting the credit needs of minority populations under the Community Reinvestment Act ). The 1790 United States census was the first census in the history of the United States. The population of the United States was recorded as 3,929,214 as of Census Day, August 2, 1790, as mandated by Article I, Section 2 of
9047-441: The population. There were 2,050 households, of which 40.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.0% were married couples living together, 32.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.6% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
9156-408: The population. There were 2,070 households, out of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.6% were married couples living together, 28.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.7% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and
9265-409: The present Allegany , Garrett , Montgomery , and Washington counties, all of these counties in addition were derived from what had up to 1748 been Prince George's County. In 1791, portions of Prince George's County were ceded to form the new District of Columbia (along with portions of Montgomery County, Maryland and parts of Northern Virginia that were later returned to Virginia ). During
9374-451: The race of interracial persons. A person with both white and black ancestry (termed "blood") was to be recorded as "Negro", no matter the fraction of that lineage (the " one-drop rule "). A person of mixed black and American Indian ancestry was also to be recorded as "Neg" (for "Negro") unless they were considered to be "predominantly" American Indian and accepted as such within the community. A person with both white and American Indian ancestry
9483-507: The racial question, and also removed Hindu and Korean from the race choices. The 1960 census re-added the word "color" to the racial question, and changed "Indian" to "American Indian", as well as adding Hawaiian, Part-Hawaiian, Aleut, and Eskimo. The "Other (print out race)" option was removed. This year's census included "Negro or Black", re-added Korean and the Other race option. East Indians (the term used at that time for people whose ancestry
9592-524: The second most affluent behind neighboring Charles County . The county is part of the Capital region of the state, though portions of the county are considered to be in Southern Maryland . The county also hosts many federal governmental facilities, such as Joint Base Andrews and the United States Census Bureau headquarters. The official name of the county, as specified in the county's charter,
9701-560: The service purchase coupons giving them a 50 percent discount with participating taxicab companies in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has fifteen stations of the Washington Metro system located in Prince George's County, with four of them as terminus stations: Greenbelt , New Carrollton , Downtown Largo , and Branch Avenue . The Purple Line , which would link highly developed areas of both Montgomery and Prince George's Counties
9810-485: The streets. The rural tier has been the focus of orchestrated efforts by residents and county government to preserve its rural character and environmental integrity. Under the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) , Patuxent River Park is the largest natural preserve and provides public access for birdwatching and viewing the rural tier's natural waterfront vistas. In season,
9919-427: The term "color" was removed from the racial question, and the following questions were asked of a sample of respondents: Questions on Spanish or Hispanic Origin or Descent Is this person of Spanish/Hispanic origin or descent? No, not Spanish/Hispanic Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano Yes, Puerto Rican Yes, Cuban Yes, other Spanish/Hispanic The racial categories in this year are as they appear in
10028-422: The terms used to describe each area can vary greatly. In the broadest terms, the county is generally divided into North County and South County with U.S. Route 50 serving as the dividing line. Southern Prince George's County is also considered to be a part of the Southern Maryland region. Northern Prince George's County includes Laurel , Beltsville , Adelphi , College Park and Greenbelt . This area of
10137-517: The town of Bowie began as a haven for thoroughbred horse racing. Areas of geographic distinction include the Oden Bowie Mansion , Allen Pond, key segments of the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail , as well as planned parks, lakes and walking trails. Prince George's rural tier was designated "in the 2002 General Plan as an area where residential growth would be minimal"; it may be found in
10246-476: The town of Upper Marlboro is more central county in character, though it is the post office location for various rural settlements. (The names of these unincorporated areas are listed below in the towns section of this article). Since 1721 Upper Marlboro has been the county seat of government, with families that trace their lineage back to Prince George's initial land grants and earliest governing officials. Names like Clagett, Sasscer , King James and Queen Anne pepper
10355-603: The town via The District Heights–Suitland Line , designated Route V12; the District Heights–Seat Pleasant Line , designated Route V14; the Marlboro Pike Line , designated Route J12; and the Forestville Line , designated as Route K12. Prince George%27s County, Maryland Prince George's County (often shortened to PG County or PG ) is located in the U.S. state of Maryland bordering
10464-680: The tracts belonged to Colonel Ninian Beall, Benjamin Berry, and Alexander Magruder. District Heights evolved from one of the four patents. In 1925, 505-acres of the Williams farm was purchased and formed into the District Heights Company by Joseph Tepper, David L. Blanken, Henry Oxenberg, Gilbert Leventhal, Simon Gordon, and Simon Gerber. The land was farmed by Walter and Al Dustin, whose farmhouse stood at 7116 Foster Street. By 1925, streets laid out first three blocks of Halleck Street and Aztec. By 1926,
10573-661: Was $ 52,331, and the median income for a family was $ 61,220. Males had a median income of $ 37,129 versus $ 32,443 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 21,190. About 4.5% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over. The city is governed by a mayor and city commission elected every 4 years. The current elected mayor and city commission are: Mayor Cynthia Miller Commissioner Anthony B. Tilghman (Ward 1); Commissioner Xander Harcourt - (Ward 1) Commissioner Gyasi Gomez (Ward 2); Commissioner Pamela Janifer (Ward 2) In June 2019, Mayor Martin
10682-436: Was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.31. The median age in the city was 35.8 years. 26.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.5% were from 25 to 44; 28.3% were from 45 to 64; and 10% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.0% male and 54.0% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 5,958 people, 2,070 households, and 1,538 families residing in
10791-443: Was back, but in abbreviated form. It featured a question asking if the person was of full or mixed American Indian ancestry. President Franklin D. Roosevelt promoted a Good Neighbor policy that sought better relations with Mexico. In 1935, a federal judge ruled that three Mexican immigrants were ineligible for citizenship because they were not white, as required by federal law. Mexico protested, and Roosevelt decided to circumvent
10900-427: Was charged with misdemeanor misconduct in office for helping a friend buy $ 50,000 in fireworks only available to cities and those with a federal explosive license by asserting on city letterhead that they were for the city's Fourth of July celebration rather than for private use. This followed Martin's earlier charge of misconduct in office in 2013 (Circuit Court Case Number: CJ135672). The U.S. Postal Service operates
11009-575: Was created by the English Council of Maryland in the Province of Maryland in April 1696 from portions of Charles and Calvert counties. The county was divided into six districts referred to as "Hundreds": Mattapany , Petuxant , Collington , Mount Calvert, Piscattoway and New Scotland. A portion was detached in 1748 to form Frederick County . Because Frederick County was subsequently divided to form
11118-423: Was included. In the 1830 census, a new question, which stated, "The number of White persons who were foreigners not naturalized" was included. The 1850 census had a dramatic shift in the way information about residents was collected. For the first time, free persons were listed individually instead of by head of household. Two questionnaires were used - one for free inhabitants and one for slaves. The question on
11227-582: Was reapportioned). There are several public spaces and parks within the District Heights locale, these include sports recreational fields adjacent to the Municipal Center on Marbury Drive, an outdoor athletic exercise area along District Heights Parkway, the Hartman-Berkshire Park on Walters Lane, green spaces along the length of Kipling Parkway, and a 2021 dedicated Veteran's Memorial Park at
11336-429: Was renewed to over 50% in the early 1990s when the county again became majority African American. The first African American County Executive was Wayne K. Curry , elected in 1994. On July 1, 1997, the Prince George's County section of the city of Takoma Park , which straddled the boundary between Prince George's and Montgomery counties, was transferred to Montgomery County . This was done after city residents voted in
11445-421: Was similar to 1910, but excluded a separate schedule for American Indians. "Hin", "Kor", and "Fil" were also added to the "Color or Race" question, signifying Hindu (Asian Indian), Korean, and Filipino, respectively. The biggest change in this census was in racial classification. Enumerators were instructed to no longer use the "Mulatto" classification. Instead, they were given special instructions for reporting
11554-527: Was similar to that of 1900, but it included a reinsertion of "Mulatto" and a question about the "mother tongue" of foreign-born individuals and individuals with foreign-born parents. "Ot" was also added to signify "other races", with space for a race to be written in. This decade's version of the Indian Population Schedule featured questions asking the individual's proportion of white, black, or American Indian lineage. The 1920 census questionnaire
11663-453: Was terminated by the City Commission after new Commissioners were elected in May 2019. The police department was overseen by the District 8 Commander and Asst. Commander of the Prince George's County Police Department until November 2020 when Interim Chief Kinsey Weems was appointed. Chief Weems has been a member of the agency since 2013. In March 2021, numerous fire and police agencies announced
11772-415: Was the first to include separate population and housing questionnaires. The race category of "Mexican" was eliminated in 1940, and the population of Mexican descent was counted with the white population. 1940 census data was used for Japanese American internment . The Census Bureau's role was denied for decades, but was finally proven in 2007. The 1950 census questionnaire removed the word "color" from
11881-410: Was to be recorded as American Indian, unless their Indigenous ancestry was small, and they were accepted as white within the community. In all situations in which a person had white and some other racial ancestry, they were to be reported as that other race. People who had minority interracial ancestry were to be reported as the race of their father. For the first and only time, "Mexican" was listed as
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