Historic Silver Spring

The Durable Slate Company proudly serves Silver Spring, Maryland, and surrounding areas. Our specialties include slate roofing, clay tile roofing, and copper roofing. We also work with copper gutters and custom copper ornamentation.

As a company, we adhere to our own philosophy, called The Durable Way. Simply, this means integrity in all things, superior roofing service, and a respect for time-honored tradition and methods.

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Silver Spring, Maryland is a vibrant, diverse community located just outside of Washington, D.C. It is a richly historic area that has played a significant role in the development of the nation's capital.

The area that is now Silver Spring was originally inhabited by the Piscataway tribe, who called it "Cohongaronta." In the early 1800s, it was settled by European immigrants, who established farms and businesses along the nearby Patuxent River.

One of the most notable early settlers was Francis Preston Blair, who founded a newspaper called The Globe and later became a prominent politician and advisor to President Abraham Lincoln. Blair built a large plantation home in Silver Spring, which still stands today and is known as the Silver Spring Mansion.

By the late 1800s, Silver Spring began to grow rapidly as a suburban community. The construction of the B&O Railroad in 1873 made it easy for residents to commute to Washington, D.C., and the area became a popular destination for city dwellers looking for a peaceful retreat.

In the early 20th century, Silver Spring continued to grow and evolve. The downtown area, which is now known for its vibrant shopping and dining scene, was developed in the 1920s and 1930s. Many of the buildings from this era still stand today, and the downtown area is now a designated historic district.

In recent years, Silver Spring has become a hub for the arts and entertainment. The Silver Spring Jazz Festival, which takes place every summer, attracts thousands of music lovers to the area, and the Fillmore Silver Spring, a popular live music venue, hosts concerts and events year-round.

Despite its rapid growth and development, Silver Spring has retained its small-town charm. It is a diverse community, with a rich history and a vibrant future. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together to live, work, and enjoy the best of what the Washington, D.C. area has to offer.

As Silver Spring grew, it became home to a number of historic buildings, many of which still stand today. One of the most notable features of these buildings is their roofs. Many of Silver Spring's roofs are made from materials like slate, clay-tile, and copper, which were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Overall, Silver Spring's historic roofs are an important part of the community's history and add to the area's charm and beauty. These roofs are a testament to the craftsmanship of the past and provide a glimpse into the history of this vibrant community.

1. The Silver Spring Civic Building: Completed in 2011, this three-story building houses a variety of government agencies, including the Montgomery County Council and Department of Parks and Planning. The building features a slate roof with copper gutters and downspouts.

2. The Silver Spring Library: Constructed in 2009, the Silver Spring Library is a modern facility with a distinctive slate roof. The library is the largest public library in Montgomery County and contains an extensive collection of books and other media.

3. The Silver Spring Metro Station: Located at the intersection of Colesville Road and Second Avenue, the Silver Spring Metro Station is a major transit hub for the area. The station features a slate roof and is a popular destination for commuters and tourists alike.

4. The Washington Adventist University: This private university is located on the edge of the city and features several buildings with slate roofs. The campus is home to a variety of academic and extracurricular activities.

5. The Silver Spring United Methodist Church: Established in 1875, the Silver Spring United Methodist Church is one of the oldest churches in the area and features a prominent slate roof. The church is a popular destination for weddings and other special events.

6. The Silver Spring Historic District: This historic district contains a number of buildings with slate roofs and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

7. The Holy Cross Hospital: Founded in 1883, Holy Cross Hospital is a major medical center and one of the largest employers in the city. The hospital is home to a variety of medical services and features a slate roof.

8. The National Park Seminary: This historic campus is located in the heart of the city and features several buildings with slate roofs. The seminary is home to a variety of educational and recreational activities and is a popular destination for weddings and other special events.

9. The Stewart-Warner Building: Constructed in 1930, this building is one of the oldest in the city and features a slate roof. The building is home to a variety of businesses and is a popular destination for visitors and commuters alike.

10. The Silver Spring Armory: Built in 1887, the Silver Spring Armory is a historic landmark with a slate roof. The armory is home to a variety of cultural, educational, and recreational activities and is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.