Chevy Chase, municipality of Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States
Chevy Chase is a small municipality just north of Washington, DC, laid out with wide residential streets, lawns, and parks that follow an early suburban plan. Brick and wood-frame houses sit back from the road under mature trees, and the streetcar-era layout still shapes the quiet blocks and green spaces.
The land was first named Cheivy Chace by Colonel Joseph Belt in 1725 and stayed agricultural until developers Francis Newlands and William Stewart bought parcels along a planned streetcar route in the late 1800s. They laid out roads, parks, and utilities, and Chevy Chase Lake became a popular destination with picnicking, fishing, dancing, and a small carousel.
The name still echoes the old border region of Scotland and England, where a hunting chase and a medieval raid gave rise to a well-known ballad. Today you can hear that link in the street names and see the remnants of the early streetcar suburb as residents walk to small parks and local shops.
Walking is the easiest way to see the residential blocks, and many streets have sidewalks shaded by old trees. A visit to the local historical society’s research room, open limited hours during the week, helps orient you to the area’s layout and past.
The old streetcar line once did small errands for residents, carrying groceries and packages home along with passengers. Chevy Chase Lake, now largely gone as a pleasure spot, had its own amusement area and carousel where families gathered for music and dancing.
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