Bethesda, Maryland Town History 

Bethesda developed from a small outpost situated along an old Native American trail. Between 1805 and 1820, the trail developed into a toll road and a community known as Darcy’s Store emerged in the surrounding area. William E. Darcy was the owner of a local establishment there. 

In 1871, the community was renamed after the Bethesda Meeting House, a Presbyterian church.

The town saw much development during World War II. The National Naval Medical Center opened in 1939, and NIH complex opened in 1953, bringing a number of government contractors, medical professionals and businessmen to the area.

The photo above comes from the Naval Historical Center and shows WAVES, or "Women Accepted for Volunteer Service," registering in the liberty log, at the Master-at-Arms' office of a Naval facility in April of 1943. The Master-at-Arms is seated in left center, wearing the badge of her position. The location may be the U.S. Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland.

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Bethesda * Schools * Communities * Notable Residents * Demographics * Town History