If you’ve ever driven through Mitchellville and Bowie, you might not have even realized when you crossed from one into the other. And honestly, you wouldn’t be alone! These two communities are so closely linked that many people assume they’re one and the same. Unless you happen to catch a road sign, it’s easy to think you’re still in Bowie when you’re actually in Mitchellville.

Take, for example, The Little Critter Imagination Playground at the Mitchellville South Neighborhood Park—despite being located in Mitchellville South Neighborhood Park, the address is actually in Bowie, MD! This kind of overlap is common, with several neighborhoods straddling both cities. Talk about confusing! Residents seem to transition seamlessly between the two, but for tourists or newcomers, it can be disorienting.

And if you think that’s confusing, try figuring out the zip codes! I live in Bowie, but my zip code is in Mitchellville. Right across the street from me, my neighbor’s zip code is for Upper Marlboro. Who planned these neighborhoods, anyway?

So, what’s the story? Why are these two areas so connected yet distinctly different? Let’s clear up the confusion!

Which Came First?

Believe it or not, Mitchellville actually predates Bowie (yup, that surprised me too). Named after John Mitchell (1788–1862), this area was once home to the Essington Hall plantation, and by 1878, it had a recognized post office. It remained a primarily agricultural community for much of its early history.

Bowie, on the other hand, started as Huntington, a small farming village that saw rapid expansion when it became a major railroad hub in the 1870s. It was officially renamed Bowie in 1880 after former Maryland Governor Oden Bowie and incorporated as a city in 1916. Thanks to the railroad, Bowie boomed, and over time, it expanded by incorporating smaller nearby villages. Mitchellville, however, remained unincorporated, maintaining its own identity despite its proximity.

Why the Confusion?

Today, Bowie and Mitchellville look and feel so similar that it’s easy to mistake one for the other. The neighborhoods blend seamlessly, sharing similar residential developments, shopping centers, and local landmarks. Unlike Bowie, which is an incorporated city with a municipal government, Mitchellville remains an unincorporated community—meaning it doesn’t have its own city government and instead falls under Prince George’s County jurisdiction.

To make things even trickier, some homes and businesses have Bowie mailing addresses even though they are physically located in Mitchellville! This only adds to the perception that Mitchellville is just another part of Bowie, when in fact, it has a long history and identity of its own.

Why MargeauLand Serves Both

This is exactly why MargeauLand is dedicated to both Bowie and Mitchellville. The two communities are deeply connected, and many people live, work, and shop between both areas without giving it a second thought. Whether you’re technically in Bowie or Mitchellville, you’re part of the same local fabric—and that’s what truly matters.

So, next time you’re out and about, take a moment to look at the signs. You might be surprised to learn you’ve been in Mitchellville all along!