The Fairmount Heights Historic District encompasses an area of 144 acres (58 ha) in the historic heart of Fairmount Heights, Maryland. The area is notable as one of the first planned African-American communities in the Washington, DC area. Predominantly residential in character, most of its housing stock was built between 1900 and 1960, although there has also been recent development. The district includes the original town hall (built 1908). and the first public school for African-Americans in the county (built 1912). There are also five churches and a community center, all important centers of political activism during the period of segregation.