Anacostia Trails Heritage Area

Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA) is an 84 square mile area located along the Route One Corridor Prince George’s County. Founded in 1997, ATHA is dedicated to preserving, renovating and enhancing historical and cultural sites.

ATHA member organizations were awarded $264,000 in State capital and non-capital grants for FY 2008 to promote and administer ongoing and special events such as the Annual Bike Ride. The ATHA Way-finding Signage Project was also completed with the fabrication and installation of signs along the Route One Corridor.

ATHA U.S. Route One Signage highlights this historic highway and its surrounding communities and sights. The newly installed signage:

• Helps tourists and residents find specific sites
• Explains the significance and history of selected sites
• Explains significant historic events that occurred in the area
• Promotes the Route One communities
• Promotes the use of public facilities

The foundation of the project is a cooperative partnership of fourteen cities and towns and four unincorporated area, supported by then-U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes and U. S. Senator Barbara Milkulski (D-MD). The senators successfully spearheaded the award of a $1.5 million Economic Development Special Project Grant. Prince George’s County government, on behalf of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA) U.S. Route One Committee, received the EDI Special Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Redevelopment Authority provides management, administrative and accounting services, and retained the Douglas Group, a nationally reknown consulting firm with expertise in way finding and environmental graphics to guide the project.

Maryland Historical Trust