Eagle Harbor's Heritage
From a segregation-era waterfront haven to a nationally recognized historic community — the story of Eagle Harbor, told decade by decade.
History
Our Journey Through Time
Developer Walter L. Bean establishes Eagle Harbor as a summer colony for middle-class African American families
Eagle Harbor was founded on the historic Trueman Point — an 18th-century tobacco shipping port — envisioned as a "high class summer colony for the better people." In an era of widespread racial segregation, it offered Black families from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore a rare chance at waterfront leisure, ownership, and dignity.
Advertised in Black newspapers across the region, Eagle Harbor quickly attracted professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs seeking a place of freedom along the Patuxent River. The first cottages rose from land that had once been a plantation.
Key Facts
- Founded on 18th-century tobacco port land
- Marketed in Black newspapers across DC & Baltimore
- One of few waterfront resorts open to African Americans
- Part of a national movement of Black resort communities
Photo
Coming Soon
Archival photo coming soon
Our Anthem
The Eagle Harbor Song
Written by Mayor Joseph C. Lomax, Jr. — August 2, 2000
Eagle Harbor my hometown
In Prince George's just southbound
The littlest town of those around
Pretty as a jewel in a crown
Hail Eagle Harbor, you're swell, Eagle Harbor, you can tell
Eagle Harbor is the place I want to be.
Founded by Blacks along time ago
No segregation and no Jim Crow
Created so that you could see
That this was the way God intended us to be.
Hail Eagle Harbor, you're swell, Eagle Harbor, you can tell
Eagle Harbor is the place I want to be.
People come from far and near
Just to see what we have here
Rich with history and full of pride
As the Patuxent River flows by her side
Hail Eagle Harbor, you're swell, Eagle Harbor, you can tell
Eagle Harbor is the place I want to be.
See the eagles fly so high
In the clear and clean blue sky
You can hear the people sigh
I love this town I've told you why
Hail Eagle Harbor, you're swell, Eagle Harbor, you can tell
Eagle Harbor is the place I want to be.
Written by
Mayor Joseph C. Lomax, Jr.
August 2, 2000
Community Archive
Digital Scrapbook
Your photos.
Our history.
We're building a living archive of Eagle Harbor memories — family reunions, summer days on the Patuxent, celebrations, and everyday moments. Be part of history.
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Help document, protect, and share Eagle Harbor's remarkable story for future generations.
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Access our archive of historical records, meeting minutes, and community documents.
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