Prior to European colonization, the land that is now Lanham and the wider Prince George's County was inhabited by Algonquian-speaking indigenous peoples, notably the Piscataway tribe. They utilized the region's dense forests and waterways for hunting, fishing, and agriculture.
Lanham began to take shape as a recognized settlement in the late 19th century when the Pennsylvania Railroad expanded its Washington Branch through the area. The community was reportedly named after Truman Lanham, a local landowner, or the broader Lanham family who held significant property in the vicinity. The establishment of a railroad station in the late 1800s catalyzed its early growth as a small commuter and agricultural hub.
Following World War II, Lanham experienced a massive housing boom, transforming rapidly from a rural farming community into a dense suburban enclave. The construction of the Capital Beltway (I-495) and US Route 50 in the mid-20th century further integrated Lanham into the Washington, D.C. metropolitan economy. Today, Lanham is celebrated for its transformation into an inclusive, multicultural community with a strong middle-class foundation.