Founded in 1883 by enslaved people, Prathertown is one of the oldest African American communities in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is a community that has thrived though faith, family, friends, and food. Many historical members of the community have outstanding achievements, including Reverend James E. Prather, who has attended meetings with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was a member of the NAACP. Over time, these stories would create the Prathertown that currently exists in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with descendants of the founding members still remaining today.