SILVER SPRING SUCCESS:
The 300 Year History of Silver Spring, Maryland
fifth edition with photos
by Richard C. Jaffeson, AICP
April 2003
Copyrights(c) 1995, 2000, and 2003 This informative book highlights the historic development of Silver Spring, Maryland covering the central business district and the immediately surrounding residential areas. The community is adjacent to northwest Washington, DC, and this history describes many significant events and prominent individuals. The previous history of Silver Spring was written in 1918 by Gist Blair, the son of Montgomery Blair (the attorney who represented Dred Scott before the Supreme Court, and Postmaster General for President Abraham Lincoln), and the grandson of Francis Preston Blair and Eliza Gist Blair. A special April 1996 edition was prepared for Blair Lee IV, a direct descendent of the founding Blair and Lee families, and son of the former Maryland governor, for a presentation at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Lee Development Group. The text covers more than 300 years from the colonial land grants to the actual discovery of Silver Spring, and from its initial suburban growth to the more recent urban development. There are five major sections and nearly forty chapters on specific events and individuals. Each chapter includes questions at the beginning, which are followed by text, and concludes with the answers to that section. Publication Commentary In June 1997, this publication received an "Excellence in Planning Award for Development Process," from the National Capital Area Chapter, American Planning Association at its Annual Awards Program and 50th Anniversary Celebration at historic Fort McNair in Washington, DC. "Clearly, this was thoroughly researched and will serve as a great resource for many years to come. Your efforts are very much appreciated in documenting the history of our proud community."
Derick P. Berlage, Former Member
County Council, Montgomery County, MD "I have placed your book in the office of our curator where it will serve as an informative reference."
Randy Bumgardner, Administrator
The Blair House, U.S. State Department, Washington, DC "The fact that Elizabeth Blair found, ´...the bubbling brook they called Silver Spring.´ while riding her horse appeals to an ´old´ horseback rider like me."
Nancy Dacek, Former Member
County Council, Montgomery County, MD "You have complied a detailed history of Silver Spring in a format that is intriguing and engaging. I'm sure anyone interested in our county's past will enjoy reading your book. It's great to see ´history´ encompassing more recent accomplishments, including the current revitalization efforts, in which, I believe we have found a ´formula for success.´"
Douglas M. Duncan, County Executive
Montgomery County, MD Table of Contents Part A. Original Conditions
Native Inhabitants, Maryland Chartered, and Silver Spring Land Grants Part B. First Silver Spring Family
Discovering the Spring, Francis Preston Blair, Blair Family in Silver Spring,
Blair Family in the District, Montgomery Blair, and Elizabeth Blair Lee Part C. Early Settlement
Carroll Family in Forest Glen, First Churches, Farms in the 19th Century,
Turnpike Development, Sligo Crossroads, and Civil War and Jubal Early Part D. Suburban Development
&O Railroad, Forest Glen Trolley, National Park Seminary, Carroll Springs, Forest Glen Castle, Woodside Subdivision,
North Washington Realty, Woodside Park Subdivision, Silver Spring National Bank, Silver Spring Armory,
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, E. Brooke Lee I,
B&O Underpass and Major Roads, Buildings in the 1920s, Silver Spring Shopping Center,
Hecht Company First Suburban Store, and Sam Eig Entrepreneur Part E. Urban Development
Population Characteristics, First Section of