Takoma Park Historic District

Takoma Park Historic District is a residential area with over 130 surviving buildings from the 1880s through the 1920s spread across its streets. The collection includes houses of various styles, churches, and public buildings that form the character of this early suburban community.

Developer Benjamin Franklin Gilbert founded the area in 1883 as an early railroad-connected suburb near Washington DC. Most of the buildings that survive today were constructed during the rapid expansion of the following decades.

The homes showcase Victorian and early 20th-century architectural styles that reflect how residents wanted to live in a new suburban setting. Walking through the streets, you notice the variety in rooflines, porches, and decorative details that make each block feel distinct.

You can walk freely through the district and view the house facades and street layout from the public sidewalks at your own pace. Plan to spend time strolling slowly to take in the details of individual buildings and the overall neighborhood design.

The district spans across both Maryland and the District of Columbia, making it straddle two separate jurisdictions in an unusual way. This boundary situation is rarely seen among historic neighborhoods in the greater Washington area.

Location: Takoma Park

GPS coordinates: 38.97810,-77.01280

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:00