Fairmount Heights has the distinction of being the largest and oldest black community in Prince George’s County. The south side of its 450 acres borders Washington, D.C. The earliest settlers were black families who purchased small plots of land between Addison and Sheriff Roads in 1903, acting on their desire for affordable, low cost, single-family houses in a community that would be governed by themselves. The residents established a Citizen’s Association and worked diligently to improve the town. The first attempt to incorporate was in 1922, but it was not until 1935 that the process was completed. Fairmount Heights is now a thriving residential community.

Among the organizations that flourish in the town are the Civic Association, the Boys Club, and the Senior Citizens Association.

Fairmount Heights has been the home of several pioneers and achievers who made significant contributions to the town and to Prince George’s County. James Armstrong, the first supervisor of colored schools in Prince George’s County and later a member of the town council, built his home there in 1904. Prominent architect William Sidney Pittman built his home on Eastern Avenue; his wife, Portia, was the daughter of Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute. Doswell Brooks moved into the community about 1928. He was the first black supervisor of colored schools in Prince George’s County and the first African-American member of the Board of Education. Robert Gray was a very active citizen of Fairmount Heights. He was the principal of the first school built in the town, Fairmount Heights Elementary, and served as president of the Fairmount Heights Federal Credit Union and as the town’s clerk-treasurer, deputy mayor, and mayor from 1977 to 1989.

The spirit of the early settlers of Fairmount Heights still exists today. Officials continue to seek ways to improve the quality of life in the town. Despite the changes that Fairmount Heights has experienced since its inception, desire, vision, courage, and perseverance remain constant in the makeup of its residents.