Goodloe House

Did the walls of Goodloe House whisper secrets of resilience? Let’s uncover them together, right here on the grounds of Bowie State University. The Goodloe House isn’t just a beautiful building. It stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of Don Speed Smith Goodloe and the legacy of Maryland’s first post-secondary school for African Americans. Goodloe House, built in 1915, became the home of the school’s first principal, Don S. S. Goodloe. This elegant Colonial Revival style house, veneered in brick, served as more than just a family home. Due to the state’s reluctance to adequately fund the Maryland Normal and Industrial School, now Bowie State University, Goodloe was forced to find his own housing. He also took in students as boarders, using the additional income to support both his family and the struggling institution. Designed by prominent African American architect John A. Moore, Goodloe House also reflects the contributions of Black professionals during this era. Goodloe resided here until his passing in 1959. The house remained within the Goodloe family until 1990. Today, Goodloe House serves as the Goodloe Alumni House, a poignant reminder of the school’s humble beginnings and the dedication of its first principal. It’s the sole surviving structure from the university’s earliest days. A visit to Goodloe House offers a glimpse into the past. It shows the challenges faced by African Americans seeking higher education and the strength of those who fought for their right to learn.