Happy TravellerWelcome to Beltsville, Maryland, a charming census-designated place located in northern Prince George’s County. Beltsville is a historic community named after Truman Belt, a local landowner, and is home to over 20,000 residents. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and diverse population, Beltsville is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Geography:
Beltsville is located at 39°2′15″N 76°55′4″W (39.037509, −76.917847), adjacent to the Montgomery County – Prince Georges 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.
Climate:
The climate in Beltsville is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Beltsville has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated Cfa on climate maps.
Demographics:
Beltsville is a diverse community with a mix of races and ethnicities. As of the 2020 census, the population of Beltsville was 20,133. The racial makeup of the community was 48.20% White, 31.96% African American, 0.26% Native American, 10.75% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 5.42% from other races, and 3.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.84% of the population.
History:
Beltsville has a rich history dating back to 1649 when the land was part of an 80,000-acre 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.
Things to Do:
Beltsville offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is the largest and most prominent center of agricultural science research in the world. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and learn about the latest advancements in agriculture. The Beltsville Speedway is a defunct NASCAR track that is now used for other events. The Beltsville Community Center and Recreation Council offers a variety of programs and activities for all ages, including sports leagues, fitness classes, and cultural events. The Beltsville Branch of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System is a great place to relax and read a book.
Notable Businesses:
Beltsville is home to several notable businesses, including Sinful Colors, a popular nail polish brand, and the former headquarters of Ritz Camera Centers, a chain of camera stores.
In Popular Culture:
The experimental post-hardcore band Thrice recorded their album The Illusion of Safety in Beltsville and dedicated a song to the town named The Beltsville Crucible.
Come visit Beltsville, Maryland, and discover all that this charming community has to offer!
