Where exactly does the name Oxon Hill come from? Oxon Hill is an unincorporated area in Prince George’s County. It is a suburb of Washington D.C. Oxon Hill has a rich history and a vibrant present.
The name Oxon Hill has interesting roots. “Oxon” is an abbreviation. It comes from the Latin word Oxoniensis. This means “of Oxford.” The area reminded Thomas Addison of the area near Oxford England. Addison’s colonial 18th-century manor home was the first Oxon Hill Manor. It burned down in 1895. A new manor was built in 1929.
Oxon Hill’s history includes notable figures. John Hanson died while visiting the first Manor. He may be buried there in an unmarked grave. Hanson was a Revolutionary patriot. He served as a president of the Continental Congress. Later, Sumner Welles, U.S. Undersecretary of State, built the current manor house.
Oxon Hill Manor stands as a testament to history. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission owns it now. It is used for cultural activities. It is often rented for weddings and special events. Oxon Hill Manor is a neo-Georgian house with 49 rooms. It was designed in 1928 by Jules Henri de Sibour. The Manor also features formal gardens on its grounds.
Oxon Hill has seen significant changes over time. The Capital Beltway bisects the community today. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge was built in 1961. An enlarged bridge opened in 2008. This improved traffic flow in the area.
Oxon Hill offers a mix of residential and commercial areas. There are garden apartments, townhouses and single-family homes. These were built from the 1940s through the early 1990s. Rivertowne and Eastover are two principal shopping centers. They attract customers from the neighborhood and Southeast Washington, D.C.
Oxon Hill provides various recreational opportunities. Rosecroft Raceway offers harness horse racing. Henson Creek Golf Course is a nine-hole course. The Tucker Road ice skating rink is open year-round. Oxon Cove Farm is an educational facility operated by the National Park Service. It gives families a free space to visit.
National Harbor is a major development in Oxon Hill. It is located on the Potomac River. It includes residential units, hotel rooms, retail dining, and entertainment. The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is the largest hotel in the Washington area. The MGM National Harbor Resort Casino opened in 2016.
Oxon Hill is home to several schools. Oxon Hill High School has a magnet science and technology program. The Maya Angelou French Immersion School offers a K-8 French language program. The Oxon Hill Library houses the Sojourner Truth Room. This room features an African American research collection.
Oxon Hill has been home to many notable people. These include actress Taraji P. Henson and NFL players Ronald Darby and Tavon Young. Naval scientist Roger L. Easton, chief inventor of GPS, also lived here. Author Jason Reynolds drew inspiration from his childhood experiences in Oxon Hill.
Oxon Hill continues to evolve. It blends its historical roots with modern development. The area offers a diverse community. Oxon Hill provides a mix of culture, recreation and opportunity. It is a unique place. It sits just outside of Washington, D.C.