Tucked away near Washington D.C., Somerset Park holds a secret history. It’s not just a peaceful residential area. It’s a testament to the vision of five scientists. In 1890, these pioneers, including Harvey Wiley, the father of the Pure Food and Drug Act, purchased 50 acres of land. They called it the Somerset Heights Colony Company. They envisioned a tranquil escape from the bustling city. A place modeled after the charming suburbs of Boston.
Somerset Park’s streets, named after English counties like Dorset and Essex, still follow their original layout. The first house, built in 1893 on Dorset Avenue, belonged to Charles A. Crampton. He was an assistant chief at the Bureau of Chemistry. Soon, Wiley and Daniel Salmon, who discovered salmonella, joined him, building their own homes. These early residences, including the Wiley-Ringland House and the Salmon-Stohlman House, are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They stand as reminders of Somerset Park’s scientific roots.
By 1905, Somerset Park had grown to 35 homes. However, essential services lagged behind. Inadequate drainage, a makeshift sewage system, and the lack of fire protection and schools plagued the community. Residents petitioned the State of Maryland for incorporation, leading to the official birth of the Town of Somerset in 1906. Charles A. Crampton, one of the original founders, became the first mayor.
Somerset Park’s growth continued in the mid-20th century with the development of Lower Somerset, adding new streets to the existing grid. This expansion brought new families and transformed the landscape. The community’s demographics shifted over the decades, evolving into the diverse neighborhood it is today.
Somerset Park also played a role in the civil rights movement. In 1954, Philip Elman, a Somerset Park resident, drafted the government’s brief in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. This case desegregated schools nationwide, marking a significant turning point in American history. Soon after, Somerset Elementary School welcomed its first Black students.
Today, Somerset Park is a blend of old and new. Historic homes stand alongside more recent constructions. The park retains its tranquil atmosphere, a testament to the original vision of its founders. As you walk through its streets, remember the scientists who sought a peaceful retreat. Recall the community’s efforts to secure essential services. And reflect on the town’s connection to a pivotal moment in the fight for equality. Somerset Park is more than just a neighborhood. It’s a living story of vision, growth, and change.