In 1869, a small railroad stop was built on the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad line. By 1900, the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad started running electric trolleys through the area. Quickly, however, the commuter stop of Bowie, Maryland became a place where people wanted to stay and settle down.
Today, Bowie is one of the fastest growing cities in the state with over 50,000 residents, three historical museums, two major theaters, 2,000 acres of public parks and more. From beautiful fields that were once centers of agriculture to stately Georgian mansions, Bowie is a place to truly enjoy the arts and the outdoors.
A good place to start your Maryland adventure is at the Bowie Railroad Buildings where the original freight depot, two-story tower and passenger shed still stand beside the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Very few of America’s first depot complexes have been preserved so well. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each building offers a glimpse of early 20th century life and the country’s growing industrial system. Part of the Bowie Railroad Buildings is the Huntington Railroad Museum, which features a caboose from the 1922 Norfolk and Western Railroad, as well as other artifacts, photographs and documents from one of North America’s earliest transportation systems.
In baseball season, why not catch some action at Prince George’s Stadium? The Bowie Baysox, a minor league class-AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, won the division championship in 2008. Have a hotdog, enjoy some great baseball and don’t forget to look out for potential big league players. The Baysox boast a long list of notable alumni including Jerry Hairston, Jr., the first third-generation African-American major league player. Hairston went on to play for the Cubs while other Bowie players are regularly drafted by the Yankees, Twins, Phillies and other pro teams.
Once a colonial estate used for three centuries for breeding thoroughbred racehorses, the Belair Mansion is today a museum owned by the city of Bowie and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its Georgian plantation architecture. Built around 1745, the estate was home to two of Maryland’s early governors and boasts a horse stable responsible for raising two Triple Crown champions – one of only two stables to have achieved such a feat. Today, visitors can stroll the rooms of the mansion or simply enjoy the gorgeous Tulip Poplar trees that adorn Belair’s grounds.
At the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, you’ll encounter a wide array of artistic expression, from fashion to flamenco. Currently showing is Vibes and Voices, a production featuring smooth jazz and neo soul with industry legends. If you enjoy theater, check out Prince George’s Little Theatre (part of the Bowie Playhouse family) for shows like Oklahoma! and Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
No matter what season brings you to Bowie, there will always be something to do. Favorite annual events include Fall Fest, which features music, antiques and special historic tours. The City of Bowie International Festival showcases food and culture from around the world, and the yearly PAW Prints in the Park event attracts animal lovers near and far for training demos, organized nature walks, a BBQ picnic and information on pet adoption.
Fortunately, Bowie is no longer just a stop on the railroad, but rather a place to get away for some relaxation and fun. There’s always a quaint inn or stately bed and breakfast in which to stay, as well as plenty of history, sports and theater to experience while you visit. Although the city is developing quickly, Bowie, Maryland retains its train station charm and will have you stopping for more than a few hours.
For more information, visit www.cityofbowie.org.
