Riverdale

Gazing upon Riverdale, a sense of history washes over you. Riverdale, Maryland, a semi-urban town nestled within Prince George’s County, has a rich and fascinating past. Originally known as Riverdale Park, this charming town has been a part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area’s tapestry since its development in the late 19th century. Riverdale began as a streetcar suburb, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Its location, approximately seven miles northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., made it an ideal location for those seeking both tranquility and proximity to the nation’s capital. Riverdale is bisected by the bustling Baltimore Avenue, also known as U.S. Route 1. This major thoroughfare connects Riverdale to neighboring communities such as College Park to the north, University Park to the west, Edmonston to the east and southeast, and Hyattsville to the south and southwest. The history of Riverdale goes back to 1801 when Henri Joseph Stier, a Belgian aristocrat, acquired a vast 800-acre property. This land, situated between two tributaries of the Anacostia River, became known as Riversdale. Stier built a magnificent mansion on the property, completed in 1807. The mansion’s design was inspired by the Stier family’s Belgian home, Chateau du Mick, and showcased the elegance of late Georgian architecture. The Stier family’s time at Riversdale was short-lived. They returned to Belgium in 1803. The estate was passed down to their daughter, Rosalie, who married George Calvert, the grandson of Charles Calvert, 5th Baron Baltimore. The Calvert family continued to shape Riverdale’s history. Their son, Charles Benedict Calvert, a renowned agriculturist, played a key role in establishing the Maryland Agricultural College, which later became the University of Maryland at College Park. Riverdale’s transformation into a suburb began in 1887 when the Calvert family sold a portion of their land to businessmen John Fox and Alexander Lutz. These entrepreneurs established the Riverdale Park Company, envisioning a residential community for those working in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. The name “Riverdale Park” paid homage to the historic Riversdale mansion. Riverdale Park was carefully planned, with streets named after U.S. presidents and arranged in a grid pattern. A central ellipse housed the commuter train station, facilitating travel to nearby cities. The community’s design incorporated traffic circles and green spaces, creating a harmonious blend of nature and urban planning. Riverdale Park quickly grew. Houses were built, reflecting the architectural styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A Presbyterian church, a schoolhouse, and a railroad station further enhanced the community’s development. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad provided convenient access to Washington, D.C., attracting new residents and fostering economic growth. Joseph A. Blundon, a prominent builder, played a pivotal role in Riverdale Park’s expansion. He constructed approximately 90 buildings, earning him the title “Father of Riverdale.” In 1920, Riverdale Park and West Riverdale officially incorporated as the Town of Riverdale. Over time, annexations expanded the town’s boundaries. In 1998, the town’s name reverted to Riverdale Park. Today, Riverdale Park showcases a blend of architectural styles, from historic homes to modern apartment buildings, reflecting its evolving history. The Riversdale mansion, now owned by the M-NCPPC, stands as a testament to Riverdale Park’s origins, reminding us of the town’s journey from a rural estate to a vibrant suburban community.