The one-mile oval racetrack, known as Prince George's Park, was opened October 1, 1914, under the auspices of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Society—in actuality, the track's owners were famous Baltimore confidence men Gad Brian and Jim O'Hara.

[2][3] A major attraction in the area, easy access for racetrack patrons was available from the WB&A Railroad which ran trains every five minutes from the Liberty Street Station in Baltimore for which they charged 65¢ for a round-trip ticket.

[4] The track was a natural addition to the area, home to the Belair Stud Farm, founded by Samuel Ogle and credited as the "Cradle of American thoroughbred racing."

Following America's involvement in World War II, the racetrack was closed from 1943 into 1945.

[6] During the night of January 31, 1966, a fire burned down five barns at the track that took the lives of at least 43 horses.