Mondawmin

Mondawmin was an estate countryside in the 19th century, characterized by large homes built by prominent city residents on the hilly countryside, several hundred feet above the Inner Harbor. Mondawmin takes its name from the estate owned by Dr. Patrick Macaulay, physician, city councilman, B&O Railroad director and patron of the arts. Tradition relates that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow visited Dr. Macaulay, who asked him what to name his home, then surrounded by corn fields. The poet looked around and replied, "Why not Mondamin, after the Indian corn god?” Years later, mapmakers added a “w” to the name.

Many residents moved into the community in the late 1940’s and early 50’s as the area developed as a cultural and education center for African Americans. Robert W. Coleman, one of the community's renowned residents, established the first school of the blind for African Americans.

Most of the neighborhood's residential areas consist of brick rowhouses. Those built before World War II have large front porches and, in some cases, Victorian styling. Those built after the war are mostly two-story brick structures on wider lots than found in the city. A few single dwellings near the Walbrook area reflect their origins as summer homes in the early 20th century.

The Mondawmin community surrounds Mondawmin Mall, the Rouse Company's pioneer urban shopping mall, and sits next to sprawling Druid Hill Park, home to The Maryland Zoo. A transportation hub, receiving a $30M upgrade, sits near the mall and residents can zip to downtown Baltimore, the MARC station or out to the county. Immediately to the south, Coppin State University and to the west is Baltimore City Community College.

Incorporated in 1976 by residents, The Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council, Inc. (GMCC) is an umbrella organization that represents the community associations and block clubs clustered around the Mondawmin Mall. It is composed of five HNI neighborhoods, and an additional three non HNI neighborhoods.

Mondawmin is an excellent area for families and residents looking to build strong community ties, as the neighborhoods have bountiful amenities, large, spacious homes, and neighborhood organizations committed to the betterment of their community.