Imagine stepping back in time to 1923. That’s when the story of Langley Park, Maryland, truly began.
Langley Park isn’t just a place. It’s a story of family, ambition, and transformation.
The McCormick-Goodhart family established a 540-acre estate here. They named it Langley Park after the Goodhart’s ancestral home in Kent, England. The name McCormick-Goodhart linked Cyrus McCormick’s Chicago family with British barrister Frederick E. McCormick-Goodhart. Frederick’s wife Henrietta was Leander J. McCormick’s daughter.
In 1924, the family built an 18000-square-foot mansion. Architect George Oakley Totten Jr. designed the 28-room Georgian Revival mansion. It cost $100000. The mansion still stands as a community landmark at 8151 15th Ave.
During the late 1930s and early 1940s, Langley Park played a role in international affairs. Leander McCormick-Goodhart served as a personal assistant to Ambassador Lord Lothian. He also supervised American Relief to Great Britain. The Langley Park estate hosted social activities related to the British embassy. The Washington Cricket Club played regular games here. In June 1941, a British Relief Country Fair was held here.
The estate’s transformation began during and after World War II. It was subdivided and developed into a planned community. Pierre Ghent & Associates oversaw this development. The last major section was developed in 1963. The high demand for housing led to rapid construction. Low-rise apartments, semi-detached homes, and single-family houses sprung up.
In 1949, the Langley Park Apartments complex was built. It housed the growing post-war population. M.T. Broyhill and Sons built 600 single-family homes. These homes were priced around $10000.
The Langley Park Elementary School opened in 1950. It is now known as Langley Park-McCormick School. In 1988, Leander McCormick-Goodhart donated $10000 to the school. Sixty percent of the students were foreign-born. They came from 45 countries and spoke 27 languages.
Langley Park experienced rapid growth in the 1950s. It became a hub with 200000 people within a 3-mile radius. Affordable housing attracted young couples with families.
The area evolved demographically over the decades. It transitioned from a white middle-class enclave to a diverse community. Hispanic and Caribbean immigrants arrived in the 1980s. Asian and African immigrants also settled here.
Today, Langley Park is a vibrant community. It reflects a mix of cultures and backgrounds. The historic mansion stands as a reminder of its past. It now houses CASA of Maryland and a Multicultural Community Center. Langley Park continues to evolve, embracing its rich history and diverse population. It stands as a testament to the changing face of America.