Brief History

• Initially known as “Azalea City.”
• Founded in 1883 by New York capitalist B.F. Gilbert.
• One of the first railroad-accessible suburbs to downtown Washington D.C..
• The railroad aided in the economic development of the town.
• The first house was completed in 1884.
• Takoma means “near heaven.”
• Became one of the most racially and culturally integrated town in the metropolitan D.C. area.
• Many of the original African American residents came to the area after the Civil War, due to the proximity to Fort Stevens where former slaves sought refuge.
• Roscoe the Rooster is a bronze sculpture in the middle of downtown Takoma Park. He is based on the community’s beloved rooster that would wander the streets in the 1990’s .

 

References:

• https://www.historictakoma.org/documents/HistoricSignificanceofTakomaPark.pdf
• https://www.abcclinics.com/history-takoma-park/
• https://www.historictakoma.org/documents/DatesInTakomaParkHistory.pdf
• https://mainstreettakoma.org/history/