Bowie

Bowie/bui/ is a city in Prince George's County, Maryland.[5] The population was 54,727 at the 2010 U.S. Census. Bowie has grown from a small railroad stop to the largest municipality in Prince George's County, and the fifth most populous city[6] and third largest city by area in the U.S. state of Maryland. In 2014 CNN Money ranked Bowie 28th in its Best Places to Live in America list.[7] The city of Bowie owes its existence to the railway. In 1853 Colonel William Duckett Bowie obtained a charter from the Maryland legislature to construct a rail line into Southern Maryland. In 1869 the Baltimore & Potomac Railroad Company began the construction of a railroad from Baltimore to Southern Maryland, terminating in Pope's Creek. The area had already been dotted with small farms and large tobacco plantations in an economy based on agriculture and slavery. In 1870, Ben Plumb, a land speculator and developer, sold building lots around the railroad junction and named the settlement Huntington City. By 1872 the line was completed, together with a "spur" to Washington, D.C. and the entire line through Southern Maryland was completed in 1873.

With humble beginnings as a railroad stop, Bowie has grown today as the largest municipality in Prince George’s County. It’s total area is 47.94 square kilometers giving it the third spot among the largest cities in the state of Maryland. Since 2010, the city is steadily growing in population. 

The city is rich in places that serve as hotspots for families and friends. About 2000 acres of land is reserved by the city government to become venues like baseball fields, community centers, golf courses, and even museums. Residents and visitors alike can get their doses of enjoyment in these places. Those who are interested in ball games like baseball would be interested to note that the Prince George’s Stadium within the city is actually home to the 2015 Eastern League champion which is the Bowie Baysox.

For those who want nature settings, recreational parks and reserves are also found within the city’s perimeters. For instance, there is the 85-acre Allen Pond Park which prides itself with amenities and features like ice arena, amphitheater, skate park, stocked pond, biking and hiking trails among others. Just adjacent to the Belair Mansion is the 45-acre Foxhill Park where everyone can enjoy the view of the artificial Woodward Pond while traversing the historic Foxhill Park Bridge.

Residents also enjoy the quality education offered by its public and private schools. It is complete with preschool to collegiate institutions. Since 1865, the Bowie State University has been servicing students in and around the city. With these, the residents can avail complete education without having to leave the city.

The city’s rich history is evident through the ancient houses within its premises. Serving as mirrors of its rich past include Belair and the Belair Stables. Old churches and chapels also reflect the direct influence of religion on how the city developed as a community, and how the residents embraced faith to be part of their lives.

Because of the developmental projects in Bowie, it is not an amazing feat if the city will continue to climb up the ladder of success. Residents will continue to benefit from these projects. In the future, the city will be among the most glorious and desirable places in the whole of United States.