How about a journey back in time to a small community? It grew from rural beginnings to a suburban hub. That place is Burtonsville.
Burtonsville, Maryland is a census-designated place. It is an unincorporated area in Montgomery County. Burtonsville sits in the northeast corner of Montgomery County. It borders both Howard and Prince George’s counties. It’s considered a suburban town in the Washington D.C. Metro Area.
Let’s rewind to colonial times. The area was known as the Patuxent Hundred. Later, it became the Eastern Branch Hundred. This community comprised approximately 100 inhabitants. Court records show that in 1699 Thomas Wells and Thomas Pindell oversaw Patuxant Hundred.
Early land grants included Maiden’s Fancy. This was a 580-acre tract surveyed for Neal Clark in 1700. Bear Bacon was nearby. It was a 600-acre tract surveyed in 1703 for Mark Richardson. Richard Snowden, an iron master, held significant land patents. These included Snowdens Manor surveyed in 1715. It consisted of 9265 acres. Snowdens Mill surveyed in 1723 occupied an additional 546 acres. Smaller tracts were carved from these larger holdings. They were rented or sold to planters.
The community of Burtonsville got its name from Isaac Burton. In 1825, he bought his siblings’ shares of his father’s land. He became the major landowner. Isaac and his wife Keturah had 17 children. Many stayed in the area as adults. The community grew around the intersection of Old Columbia Pike and the road to Sandy Spring. In the 1850s Isaac Burton became the first postmaster. The post office operated out of his store at the intersection. Burtonsville’s core area remains around the intersection of Maryland Route 198 and U.S. Route 29.
Today Burtonsville is known for its peaceful neighborhoods. It offers excellent schools. It also has a tight-knit community atmosphere. The estimated population in 2020 was 9498. The area covers about 8 square miles.
Burtonsville is a public transport-friendly town. It has over 10 Metro bus stops. The town is also home to the Burtonsville Park & Ride. This is a large bus stop and parking lot conveniently located off U.S. Route 29.
Burtonsville holds an annual “Burtonsville Day”. This celebration includes a parade and a festival. There is also a craft fair and games for children. Live bands provide entertainment and food. The Burtonsville Lions Club is a focal point for community service.
Burtonsville offers a blend of suburban charm. It provides convenient access to Washington D.C. and Baltimore. It stands as a testament to its rich history. Burtonsville maintains a strong sense of community. As you explore Burtonsville, remember its past.