Bethesda and Chevy Chase

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The book explores the historical transformation of Bethesda and Chevy Chase from agricultural lands worked by enslaved people to thriving suburban communities. It highlights Josiah Henson, whose escape to Canada inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The introduction of the trolley in the 1890s facilitated the growth of these areas, leading to Bethesda's development as a commercial hub and Chevy Chase's establishment as a planned community with upscale residences. Each area boasts a unique heritage and identity despite their proximity to Washington, D.C.