Fairmount Heights preserves African-American heritage near Washington
Originally a site of several small farms is now an intimate neighborhood loaded with just as much history as its neighbor, Washington, D.C. The historic charm of Fairmount Heights began before it became officially incorporated in 1935. It’s known as one of the earliest planned neighborhoods for the African-American community in the Washington area. Within the streets of Fairmount Heights sits 18 historical markers, which form the Fairmount Heights Historic African-American Signage Trail. This trail allows visitors and residents to see the town’s engraved history and gather resources. Some notable markers include the Samuel Hargrove House and the William Sydney and Portia Washington Pittman House. The town is also registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Kysha Merritt of Village Premier Collection says home buyers are drawn to the area because of the location, “It is centrally located with public transportation and schools,” says Merritt.
Single-family homes include Colonial Revival and ranch-style builds
A majority of the 1,500 residents own a home. Single-family Colonial Revival or ranch-style homes comprise most of the housing market here. These houses can come with attached garages, driveways and private yards. Prices range from $130,000 for one-to-two-bedroom homes to $530,000 for three-and four-bedroom homes. The median price for homes is around $360,000.
The Prince George County Public Schools system serves the community
Students can start their education in the Prince George County Public Schools system at the Robert R. Gray Elementary School or Seat Pleasant Elementary School, teaching students until grade six. The G. James Gholson Middle School offers an environmental curriculum for students in grades sixth through eighth. That initiative earned them recognition as a Maryland Green School in 2022. The Fairmont Heights High School was remodeled in 2017 and offers grades nine through 12 students a wide range of subjects, including agriculture.
Recreation includes neighborhood parks and a public library
The Fairmount Heights Neighborhood Playground features a playground set and spacious grass area. Fairmount Heights Park includes basketball and tennis courts and a playground. The Fairmount Heights Library is open daily to the public. One notable asset is the D.R.E.A.M. Lab. This lab features two iMac computers stacked with creative programs such as Photoshop or Final Cut Pro, allowing the public of all levels to develop projects such as music recordings or websites. Indoor activities are a quick drive away at the Seat Pleasant Activities Center, nicknamed the home of NBA Champion Kevin Durant. Residents can use the basketball court, game room, and gym year-round. Additionally, the center holds after-school care and basketball leagues for kids ages five-13.
Restaurants, supermarkets and stores close to Washington attractions
Fairmount Heights residents have a melting pot of cuisines to pick from. Fried Chicken and Fish meals are top menu items at the regional soul food chain Hip Hop Fish and Chicken. Just off 61st Street sits Addie Loves Soul, offering classic American breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes six days a week. T.E.A. Kitchen is a smaller restaurant serving African dishes such as Ghana Kenkey and Waakye. It’s only a short drive from the primary grocers of Aldi and Giant Foods. Otherwise, Fairmount Heights has multiple convenience stores nearby to grab small items, including Family Dollar or the 24/7 Food Mart. The numerous free museums within our nation’s capital are roughly 10 miles away. Residents can also explore Washington even further by simply crossing the street of Eastern Ave. The amount of history at your fingerprints can turn a Fairmount Heights resident into a novice historian.
![Naleli Murry]()
Photography Contributed By
Naleli Murry
