Route One!

From stagecoach to SUV: The Route 1 Story

Route 1, the centerpiece of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, began in 1783 as one of the first stagecoach lines in the country, was one of the first federally-funded mail routes (in 1812) and today carries traffic from Maine to Florida.

The ATHA U. S. Route 1 Project is designed to highlight the history of the highway and surrounding communities and sites, and will include signage to:

• Help tourists and residents find specific sites
• Explain the significance and history of selected sites
• Explain significant historic events that occurred in the area
• Promote the Route One communities
• Promote the use of public facilities

The foundation of the project is a cooperative partnership of 14 cities and towns and four unincorporated areas, supported by U.S. Senators Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) and Barbara Milkulski (D-MD). The senators successfully spearheaded the award of a $1.5 million Economic Development Special Project Grant. The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, on behalf of The Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA) US. Route 1 Committee, received the EDI-Special Project Grant from the US Department of Housing Urban Development. The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County was chosen to provide management, administrative and accounting services, has retained The Douglas Group, a national consulting firm, with expertise in way finding and environmental graphics, to guide the project.

We’ll post regular updates as the project progresses, so please check back often.

back to top