Highland Beach, Maryland, may be a small and idyllic coastal town, but it has witnessed its fair share of significant historical events. From influential figures' summer retreats to moments that shaped the civil rights movement, Highland Beach's proximity to the nation's capital has seen it drawn into the currents of history. Let's explore seven historical events that have taken place near this charming Maryland town.

1. Founding of Highland Beach:
Highland Beach owes its existence to Charles Douglass, the youngest son of renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass. In 1893, Charles purchased the land where Highland Beach now stands, intending to create a vacation haven for African-Americans who faced racial discrimination elsewhere. This act laid the foundation for the town and marks an important moment in the history of African-American self-determination and resilience.

2. The Summer Retreat of Frederick Douglass:
For Frederick Douglass, Highland Beach was a place of solace and respite. From 1893 until his death in 1895, Douglass spent his summers in Highland Beach. His presence brought prominence and intellectual vigor to the community, as he hosted discussions on race, politics, and the pursuit of equality. His summer retreat became a setting for the exchange of ideas and the establishment of a community dedicated to progress.

3. Constructing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge:
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, connecting Maryland's Eastern and Western Shores, brought significant change to Highland Beach. Construction of the original bridge began in 1949 and reached completion in 1952. The bridge's opening dramatically facilitated access to Highland Beach, transforming it from a primarily African-American enclave to a summer retreat enjoyed by a more diverse group of visitors.

4. Thurgood Marshall's Summer Residence:
Highland Beach was not only a haven for the Douglass family but also provided a summer retreat for civil rights trailblazer Thurgood Marshall. A prominent lawyer who later became the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, Marshall spent many summers in Highland Beach. This connection cements the town's significance as a place where historical figures sought refuge and shared in the desire for social change.

5. Civil Rights Activism and the Beach Club:
Highland Beach's Beach Club, originally built in 1910, played an essential role in civil rights activism. African-American lawyers, professionals, and leaders of the time used it as a safe and welcoming space to discuss equality issues and develop strategies to combat racial discrimination. The Beach Club emerged as a symbol of African-American unity and resilience during the peak of the civil rights movement.

6. Community Leader Lucy Diggs Slowe's Legacy:
Lucy Diggs Slowe, the first African-American woman to win a national championship in any sport, held great influence in Highland Beach. She was an active community leader and influential figure in the struggle for civil rights. Slowe's summer home in Highland Beach served as a gathering place for intellectual and cultural discussions and embodied the strength and resilience of African-American women during challenging times.

7. Preservation of Highland Beach's Heritage:
Lastly, it is worth noting that Highland Beach's historical importance has not been forgotten. Today, the town preserves its rich cultural heritage, and historical markers and sites remind visitors and residents alike of the events that have shaped Highland Beach. The community's efforts to protect its history highlight the significance of preserving African-American history and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

Highland Beach, Maryland, may be a small coastal town, but its historical significance is immeasurable. From the likes of Frederick Douglass to Thurgood Marshall, this community has been a witness to pivotal events that shaped the course of civil rights in the United States. By acknowledging and preserving these historical moments, Highland Beach ensures that future generations will remember the importance of their town's place in history.