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Beltsville, MD

Frequently asked questions

Beltsville, MD

Beltsville is a census-designated place (CDP) in northern Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. The community was named for Truman Belt, a local landowner. The 2020 census counted 20,133 residents. Beltsville includes the unincorporated community of Vansville.

Beltsville is located at 39°2′15″N 76°55′4″W (39.037509, −76.917847), adjacent to the Montgomery County – Prince George's County line. It is approximately 7 miles (11 km) northeast of the Maryland border with Washington. According to the United States Census Bureau, Beltsville has a total area of 7.2 square miles (18.6 km²), of which 7.1 square miles (18.5 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²), or 0.38%, is water.

Beltsville's history dates back to 1649 when the land was part of an 80,000-acre (324 km²) land grant given to Richard Snowden I by Lord Baltimore of England. Snowden and his family were planters who established large plantations on which they built comfortable manor homes. Soon after, other settlers moved into the area, but they were farmers who could only afford a few acres of land and whose families lived in small cabins. The principal crop was tobacco, most of which was shipped to England. Because of the fertile soil and desirable growing conditions, the crops prospered.

Industry came to Beltsville in the early 18th century when iron ore was discovered in the area. The Muirkirk Iron Furnace on US 1 was established by Andrew and Elias Elliott, who learned their iron-making skills in Muirkirk, Scotland. They produced some of the best-quality pig iron in the country and supplied the U.S. Army with cannons, shot, wheels, and other iron products during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

By 1730, Post Road (now part of US 1) was the main thoroughfare through Beltsville. Though crude, it made stagecoach travel possible. In 1783, Gabriel Peterson Van Horn established a stage line and built the Van Horn Tavern on Odell Road, where passengers could spend the night as they traveled between Baltimore and Washington. The trip took one and one-half days.

Beltsville has a distinguished Revolutionary War hero as its native son. Brigadier General Rezin Beall, who was born on Turkey Flight Plantation on Old Gunpowder Road in 1723, prevented a British invasion at Drum Point on the Chesapeake Bay with only 100 men. He is credited with the fact that there are no Revolutionary War battlefields in Maryland.

In 1835 one of the first rail lines in the country, the Washington branch of the B&O Railroad (Baltimore & Ohio), was built through Prince George's County. Coming from Baltimore, the line entered the county at Laurel and ran southwesterly to Bladensburg, then into Washington. B&O established a rail stop and freight depot on land purchased from a tobacco farmer named Trueman Belt, and they named the place after him. The new community of Beltsville was doubly blessed, for the Baltimore-Washington Turnpike crossed the rail line there. It soon became a thriving little trading center, eclipsing the older community of Vansville further north on the pike.

Beltsville places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. UM Laurel Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Start your fitness journey at the Beltsville Community Center, which offers various fitness classes and recreational activities. PG CrossFit provides a comprehensive gym experience with state-of-the-art equipment and classes. For a more structured workout, LA Fitness provides state-of-the-art gym facilities. Yoga lovers can find peace and flexibility at Blue Heron Wellness, offering classes and holistic treatments. Cycling enthusiasts can join group rides organized by the Proteus Bicycles. 

Top sites in Beltsville, MD: M-NCPPC Dinosaur Park, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, Montpelier House Museum.

Elevation: 135 ft (41 m). ZIP Code: 20705. Area code(s): 301, 240. Area: 7.23 sq mi (18.73 km²). Population: 20,133 (2020).

FAQs

What is the history of Beltsville, MD?

Beltsville's history dates back to 1649 when the land was part of an 80,000-acre (324 km²) land grant given to Richard Snowden I by Lord Baltimore of England. Snowden and his family were planters who established large plantations on which they built comfortable manor homes. Soon after, other settlers moved into the area, but they were farmers who could only afford a few acres of land and whose families lived in small cabins. 

How did Beltsville, MD get its name?

Beltsville is a census-designated place (CDP) in northern Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. The community was named for Truman Belt, a local landowner. The 2020 census counted 20,133 residents. Beltsville includes the unincorporated community of Vansville.

Is Beltsville, MD a good place to live?

Beltsville is in Prince George's County. Living in Beltsville offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Beltsville, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Beltsville and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

Prince George’s County

Wikipedia

Niche

M-NCPPC Dinosaur Park

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Montpelier House Museum

UM Laurel Medical Center

Beltsville Community Center

PG CrossFit

LA Fitness

Blue Heron Wellness

Proteus Bicycles

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.