What if I told you that Washington Grove has a motto? It is called “A Town Within a Forest”. Let’s explore this unique community.
Washington Grove in Maryland began as a Methodist camp in the late 1800s. A group from Foundry Methodist Church sought a peaceful place for worship. They desired shade and clean water near Washington D.C. In 1873, they bought land from farmer Nathan Cooke’s widow.
The Washington Grove Meeting Association formed in 1874. People could build cottages by buying shares of stock. Tents were also available for rent. The camp’s center was first called The Plaza. Later, it was named The Symbolic Circle. Avenues radiated from it. Tents lined avenues named after churches. Families attended two-week-long meetings. The first meeting occurred in August 1874. About 240 tents were pitched.
A tabernacle was constructed in 1877. Its bell summoned people to prayer. It also signaled the end of camp meetings. The tabernacle held 500 people. Lecturers spoke on women’s suffrage and poverty.
Camp managers controlled land within a two-mile radius. They prohibited alcohol sales. Card playing and dancing were banned. In 1879, selling anything on Sundays was forbidden.
Reverend William Burns built the first cottage in 1878. By 1879, 17 cottages stood around the tabernacle. They featured green and white exteriors and large porches. The architectural style was Carpenter Gothic.
In 1879, trustees borrowed money to build a hotel. Completed in 1881, it had 23 rooms. The Albany Hotel had large porches and a dining room. Rooms cost $6 to $7 per week. Dinner cost fifty cents. Rules protected trees during construction.
An auditorium seating 1400 was built in 1905. This moved activities away from the Sacred Circle. Entertainment included music and lectures. Admission cost $2 per adult and $1 per child. Religious services occurred there too. Eventually, the tabernacle was torn down.
The Washington Grove Camp Meeting Association controlled land sales. In the early 20th century, they restricted African Americans from owning property. Emory Grove, a Black Methodist camp, was nearby. After an incident in 1892, Washington Grove closed its gates. This hindered Emory Grove residents’ access to the train stop.
Eventually, people lived in Washington Grove year-round. By the 1920s, the Association sold land. Camp meetings ended by 1924.
The Great Depression impacted the area. The Association struggled financially. Some homes were rented or left vacant. By 1934, the community had changed dramatically.
In 1937, the Association dissolved. The community incorporated as a town. Irving L. McCathran became the first mayor.
By the late 1940s, Washington Grove appeared run down. The auditorium was demolished. Surrounding farms were sold to developers. In 1955, the town gained zoning powers.
A master plan in 1975 aimed to preserve the town’s historic character. The town was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Today, Washington Grove retains its unique layout. Small houses face grassy walkways. The East and West Woods are wildlife sanctuaries. Walkways and parks attract residents and visitors. People gather for picnics at the Gazebo. Town meetings take place in McCathran Hall. Residents swim in Maple Lake. Other activities include a summer camp and concert series. The town’s population was 505 at the 2020 census. In 2022, the median home value in Washington Grove was $569,100.