Bladensburg, Maryland, was the location of an infamous duel in 1820. Stephen Decatur, a Navy hero from the Revolutionary War, was challenged to a duel by Commodore James Barron because of comments Decatur made about him. Decatur was fatally wounded when a ball from Barron's pistol lodged into his side. Upon his death, Decatur forgave his opponent and declared that it had been an honorable duel.
Bladensburg was named for Thomas Bladen, who served as the governor of Maryland from 1742 until 1747
Bladensburg, Maryland, was the location of an infamous duel in 1820. Stephen Decatur, a Navy hero from the Revolutionary War, was challenged to a duel by Commodore James Barron because of comments Decatur made about him. Decatur was fatally wounded when a ball from Barron's pistol lodged into his side. Upon his death, Decatur forgave his opponent and declared that it had been an honorable duel.
Bladensburg was named for Thomas Bladen, who served as the governor of Maryland from 1742 until 1747. The area served as a seaport for the movement of tobacco between states during the colonial period. One of its most notable moments was the Battle of Bladensburg, which took place during the War of 1812. Historians say it is the only battle where a sitting president rode into the middle of the fighting. Can you imagine the President of the United States going into battle? We would never see that happening today, except maybe in a blockbuster movie. America eventually lost the battle, resulting in British troops making their way into Washington, D.C., and burning parts of it to the ground. The 20th century brought a population boom, with new houses and infrastructure to go with it. The first subdivisions were established in 1914 and 1917. The town is approximately 10 square miles, with a population of about 9,100 residents. Will you be working in D.C.? The town is located 8.6 miles from the nation's capital.
If you are planning a relocation, start your search for an apartment complex in Bladensburg early. Get your financial documents in order, so you will have a few pay stubs to present with your application. If your move is the result of a great new Washington, D.C., job, ask your new employer for a letter listing your annual salary and start date. Start saving for your security deposit if you don't have extra funds laying around. Once your rental application is approved, the landlord will want a deposit to hold the apartment or house rental. Your rental references are vital, especially in a competitive market like the D.C. metropolitan area. Make sure you can present a history of timely and complete rental payments.
Bladensburg has an abundance of rentals, whether you want to view one bedroom apartments or three bedroom rental houses. If you want the space without the maintenance, you may also consider a condo for rent. The Bladensburg market offers garden-style condos as well as townhouse style for extra space. Basement apartments are also an option in Bladensburg. Located inside large homes, you can live in a residential neighborhood without renting an entire house.
There are three different main neighborhoods in Bladensburg, each with distinct appeals. Scour thoroughly before committing to just one!
Decatur Heights: An established community with a mixture of homes built in the 1960s and 1970s. The community is also home to several multi-unit apartment complexes.
Seton Square: A townhouse community with colonial style townhouses built in the 1990s. The subdivision sits near major roadways but far enough away to give a feeling of community, with cul-de-sacs and driveways.
Hamlet Woods: A 90-unit townhouse-style condominium complex built in 1994. Lawn maintenance is provided to residents, so the grounds are well- manicured year-round.
Bladensburg offers plenty of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. The town has several parks and public facilities, including the Waterfront Park. It is on the Anacostia River, which is a historical landmark itself. You can stroll down the riverside walk or dine in the ample picnic pavilion. Take advantage of the water with the paddle boats, kayaks or canoes. There's a public fishing pier if you want to catch your dinner before you eat it, and you can even store your boat on the free boat ramp. Amp up your physical activity on the hiking trail, or bring your bicycle for a ride through nature. The annual festival is filled with food and fun. Stop by the War of 1812 Battle of Bladensburg visitor's center, and take the interactive pontoon tour along the river.
The Bladensburg Community Center provides you with a variety of classes, whether you are trying to stretch your education or explore a new interest. Indulge yourself in dance, crafts or cooking. Drama and exercise classes are also on the long menu of available items. Bladensburg is home to a Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center. The facility provides educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged youth. Computer training, literacy tutoring and entrepreneurship programs are all offered at the center. If you don't need these services, maybe you want to volunteer some of your time and expertise.
The Bostic May Festival is an annual event to commemorate the War of 1812. You can enjoy some food and recreation within a historical setting. You and your family should enjoy Caribbean drums, along with gospel choirs and craft tables. Your children can spend their time playing games and petting farm animals, while you gobble on some barbecue and authentic Native American cuisine.
You can spend an entire summer exploring the history of Bladensburg. The Indian Queen Tavern was a major inn during the 1700s. Historians say that George Washington regularly stopped there during his travels between Mt. Vernon and Philadelphia. How about a visit to the Market Masters House, which housed the original tobacco marketplace. Until the port was discontinued in 1836, the customs official lived inside the house while performing his duties. Spa Springs is another interesting destination. People traveled from Baltimore, Washington and Georgetown to visit the springs in the 1800s. They were known for their medical benefits, and doctors prescribed dips in the spas for treatment of various illnesses. Who knows, maybe you will find the fountain of youth!
