We are glad that you are searching for real estate information on our site. This information is located on a page that is not maintained by DMS Properties, LLC … Residential Real Estate Services.
La Plata High School is located in La Plata, MD. The name La Plata originated with the Chapman family. In the mid-1800’s, John Grant Chapman, a United States Representative in the 29th and 30th Congresses, built a plantation just north of where Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School stands today. He named his plantation “La Plata.”
There are two theories as to why the Chapmans named their estate La Plata. Some believe that the name comes from South America’s Rio de la Plata, situated between Argentina and Uruguay. A member of the Chapman family is said to have enjoyed a visit to this area during the 19th century. Others believe the name comes from the French phrase “la plateau.” This term describes the level land of La Plata.
In either the late 1800’s or early 1900’s, Chapman’s son Robert Fergusson Chapman donated some of his family’s land to the new town. Two other property owners also contributed land to the town so it is unclear why the town was named solely after the Chapmans’ estate.
La Plata High School first opened in 1929 where the county government building is now located. It housed students from first through eleventh grade. The school later moved to the building that is now Milton M. Somers Middle School before moving to Radio Station Road in 1979.