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History of Bowie, Maryland, USA
Journey back in time to Bowie, Maryland, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Bowie, Maryland, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Bowie
The city of Bowie owes its existence to the railway. In 1853 Colonel William Duckett Bowie obtained a charter from the Maryland legislature to construct a rail line into Southern Maryland. In 1869 the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad Company began the construction of a railroad from Baltimore to Southern Maryland, terminating in Pope's Creek. The area had already been dotted with small farms and large tobacco plantations in an economy based on agriculture and slavery. In 1870, Ben Plumb, a land speculator and developer, sold building lots around the railroad junction and named the settlement Huntington City. By 1872 the line was completed, together with a "spur" to Washington, D.C. and the entire line through Southern Maryland was completed in 1873.
Huntington City was renamed in honor of the son of William Duckett Bowie and his business partner, Oden Bowie, who was President of the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad at the time, and previously Governor of Maryland. The town was subsequently rechartered as Bowie in 1880.
Huntington City was renamed in honor of the son of William Duckett Bowie and his business partner, Oden Bowie, who was President of the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad at the time, and previously Governor of Maryland. The town was subsequently rechartered as Bowie in 1880.
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VINTAGE BOWIE
Bowie Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Bowie, Maryland, USA
Postcard
Bowie Inn and Tourist Court on Hwy. No. 50, 1 mile west of 301.
Bowie, Maryland, USA
Postcard
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Bowie Race Track (1952)
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to BOWIE
MARYLAND Crab Defender Ceramic Cofeee Mug
Celebrate your Maryland pride and love for the finest crabs with our "Maryland Crab Defender" Ceramic Mug! Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening tea, this mug is a perfect tribute to your unwavering loyalty to Maryland's delicious crabs. The bold caption, "I'm from Maryland! That explains a lot about my love defending Maryland crabs against all imposters, because ours are the best," captures your fierce dedication to your state's seafood superiority.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Bowie: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Bowie through the years.
1895 - Bowie
Bowie, a post-village of Prince George's co., Md., on the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad, at its junction with the Pope's Creek Branch, 25 miles S.S.W. of Baltimore, and 16 miles from Washington. It has 2 churches and a public school. Pop. about 300.
1916
Bowie, a post-town of Prince George co., Md., on the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington R., 25 miles SSW. of Baltimore and 16 miles from Washington. Pop. in 1900, 443. The banking point is Upper Marlboro.
1961 - Train Wreck Kills Six. 130 Race Fans Hurt; 7 Cars Jump Tracks.
BOWIE, Md., (AP) - Six persons were killed and about 130 injured Thursday when a special train carrying some 300 passengers derailed near Bowie Race Course.
Rescue workers searched the seven battered and tilted coaches until darkness covered the southern Maryland countryside, without finding additional victims. The dead included five passengers and a dining car waiter.
A spokesman for the Pennsylvania Railroad said one coach, in which a seventh body was believed to have been trapped, was thoroughly searched and no body was found.
The coach will not be moved until Friday but the spokesman said authorities were reasonably certain no more victims would be found.
The 11-car train originated in Philadelphia and picked up additional passengers at five stops along the way.
The crash occurred about three miles from the race track, at a point where the train leaves the main line and enters a spur track to the left side.
More than 90 persons were treated at nine hospitals in...
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Rescue workers searched the seven battered and tilted coaches until darkness covered the southern Maryland countryside, without finding additional victims. The dead included five passengers and a dining car waiter.
A spokesman for the Pennsylvania Railroad said one coach, in which a seventh body was believed to have been trapped, was thoroughly searched and no body was found.
The coach will not be moved until Friday but the spokesman said authorities were reasonably certain no more victims would be found.
The 11-car train originated in Philadelphia and picked up additional passengers at five stops along the way.
The crash occurred about three miles from the race track, at a point where the train leaves the main line and enters a spur track to the left side.
More than 90 persons were treated at nine hospitals in...
Bowie has something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Allen Pond Park:
Enjoy a relaxing day at this beautiful park, which features a large pond, walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. In the summer, you can rent paddleboats and canoes to explore the pond.
Bowie Town Center:
Shop, dine, and catch a movie at Bowie Town Center. This open-air shopping mall has a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options for the whole family.
National Capital Radio & Television Museum:
Learn about the history of radio and television in the United States at this fascinating museum. It houses a vast collection of vintage broadcasting equipment and memorabilia.
Prince George's Stadium:
Catch a Bowie Baysox baseball game at this minor league stadium. It's a great place to enjoy America's favorite pastime with family and friends.
Bowie State University:
Explore the campus of Bowie State University, one of Maryland's historically black universities. You can attend cultural events, visit the art gallery, or simply...
Read more
Enjoy a relaxing day at this beautiful park, which features a large pond, walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. In the summer, you can rent paddleboats and canoes to explore the pond.
Bowie Town Center:
Shop, dine, and catch a movie at Bowie Town Center. This open-air shopping mall has a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options for the whole family.
National Capital Radio & Television Museum:
Learn about the history of radio and television in the United States at this fascinating museum. It houses a vast collection of vintage broadcasting equipment and memorabilia.
Prince George's Stadium:
Catch a Bowie Baysox baseball game at this minor league stadium. It's a great place to enjoy America's favorite pastime with family and friends.
Bowie State University:
Explore the campus of Bowie State University, one of Maryland's historically black universities. You can attend cultural events, visit the art gallery, or simply...
GENEALOGY IN BOWIE
Discover YOUR Roots: Bowie Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Bowie, Maryland, USA
We currently have information about 1 ancestors who were born or died in Bowie.
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Updated: 10/15/2023 9:34:04 PM
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