Step back in time to 1904. Washington DC was booming. Overcrowding was a problem. Improved public transport made living outside the city appealing. Otway B Zantzinger saw an opportunity. He bought 400 acres east of DC. He divided the land into 4000 lots. He sold them for $20 to $150 each. He advertised a picturesque view of Washington DC. He promised an electric railway. He boasted crystal-clear spring water. He offered easy payment terms. He used a popular phrase of the time “no colored people”. Many bought two lots in this haven. This haven became Capitol Heights.
Capitol Heights is a town in Prince George’s County Maryland. It’s located on the border of Washington’s Northeast and Southeast quadrants. In 1910 about 200 families lived there. They incorporated their community as Capitol Heights. For fifty years the town improved its infrastructure. It built its own fire and public works departments. By the 1970s the population reached 3800. The town’s central business district declined.
Then came 1980. The long-promised electric railway arrived. Capitol Heights got its own Metro station. This improved access to the region. The land around the station became an Enterprise Zone. It was meant to boost the town’s economy. Today over 90% of Capitol Heights residents are African American. The town has had four African-American mayors. It’s a testament to its evolution.
Capitol Heights is more than just a place on a map. It’s a story of ambition and transformation. It’s a story of a community striving for progress. It’s a story of a town that persevered. It’s a story of a town that overcame challenges. It’s a vibrant community with a rich history. It’s a community that continues to evolve and grow. From its segregated beginnings to its diverse present. Capitol Heights embodies resilience and progress. It’s a testament to the American spirit. Its story is a fascinating one. It’s a story worth exploring. Come walk with me and discover more.