Maryland Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Bowie, Maryland

Population: 43,000

Located in Prince George's County

Bowie enjoys a rich and diverse historic and cultural heritage. The original Belair Estate contains the Belair Mansion (circa 1745), the beautiful five-part Georgian plantation house of Governor Samuel Ogle, and his son Governor Benjamin Ogle. The Mansion was also the home of William Woodward, a famous horseman in the first half of the 20th Century. Restored to reflect its 250-year-old legacy, the Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Belair Stable, on the Estate, was part of the famous "Belair Stud", one of the premier racing stables in the 1930's, 40's, and 50's, and owned and operated by William Woodward. Until its closing in 1957, Belair was the oldest continually operated thoroughbred horse farm in the country. It is said that the blood of Belair horses flows through the veins of every American race horse of distinction.

In addition to its thoroughbred horse breeding heritage, Bowie is also historically associated with railroading. The town grew up around the Bowie Station, and emerged as an important rail town. Honoring that tradition, the City has preserved this piece of its history in the Huntington Railroad Museum which includes historic materials displayed in the Station's restored railroad buildings.

While the City is proud of its heritage, it is also focused on the future. It has grown from a small agricultural and railroad town to one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Maryland. Bowie is a city of 16 square miles and approximately 50,000 residents. It has nearly 2,000 acres set aside as parks or open space. It has 72 ball fields, three community centers, an ice arena, a theatrical playhouse, a golf course, and three museums. The City has recently added a state-of-the-art senior citizens center and a gymnasium for community programs. The City of Bowie is a dynamic, family-oriented community whose residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life. The City's motto of "Growth, Unity and Progress" provides a fitting description of this municipality at the start of a new century.

The City of Bowie operates the Belair Mansion, the Belair Stable Museum and the Bowie Railroad Station and Huntington Museum, their collections and exhibits. The City joins with the Radio History Society to present the Radio and Television Museum. The Museum Staff is assisted by The Friends of Belair Estate, the Huntington Heritage Society, and the Heritage Committee, as well as the Radio History Society and the Prince George's County Genealogical Society, in this mission.

Owned and operated by William Woodward, Belair Stable was part of the famous "Belair Stud," one of the premier racing stables in the 30's, 40's and 50's. Belair Stable was home to Gallant Fox and Omaha, father and son horses that won the Triple Crown, to Nashua, who was "Horse of the Year" in 1955, as well as to many other well-known race horses. Until its closing in 1957, Belair was the oldest continually operated horse farm in the United States, where horses were raised for racing purposes. Its history extends over two hundred fifty years. The Stable has been restored and is open as a museum. Heritage Day, a festival celebrating the history of Bowie, is held at the Stable as well as the other two city museums. The Stable is located at 2835 Belair Drive. It is open free of charge to the public year round, Wednesday - Sunday noon - 4 p.m. The Stable is accessible to people with disabilities. Like the Belair Mansion, the Stable is supported by the City of Bowie and the Friends of Belair Estate.

Located at 8614 Chestnut Avenue in historic Old Bowie, the station was relocated from its original site across the railroad tracks and restored in the 1990's. The Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Company built the first station in 1872 at the junction of rail lines into Washington, D.C. and Southern Maryland. The lines were later integrated into the Pennsylvania Railroad Company system. The Town of Bowie (originally Huntington City) grew up around the train station. The existing museum buildings were constructed in the early 1900's, but closed in 1989. The Railroad Museum is supported by the City of Bowie and the Huntington Heritage Society. The Station is open to the public Wednesday - Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and for groups of 10 or more by appointment. The Station is accessible for people with disabilities and is free of charge.

Housing, recreational and shopping activities are conveniently situated to serve growing community needs. Bowie's transformation is overseen by the City and Prince George's County officials who work to ensure that new development will enhance our community.