Maple Heights gets its name from the maple grove that would have greeted James Blair when he first arrived in Monroe County in 1825.

Blair, a strong opponent of slavery, purchased 160 acres of land, including what is now the Maple Heights neighborhood, for $800.

The Blairs were active supporters of the Underground Railroad.

James’ son John built the Blair House in the mid-1800s on Maple St.

Three bungalows were built close by for John’s daughters, which remain standing on 13th St.

The City of Bloomington annexed Maple Heights in 1890.

The neighborhood has historically been home to laborers from surrounding factories.