The historic community of Reservoir Hill can trace its roots back to 1680. In fact for many years Reservoir Hill Improvement Council offices were in the Birckhead mansion built around 1792. The stone mansion sits on a wooded hill at the corner of Park Avenue and Reservoir Street. In the late 19th century, Reservoir Hill grew to become a premier, turn of the century neighborhood, with a wide range of architectural styles.

During the mid 1800s, the City had the power to annex land and many public improvements were made. Jones Falls, previously used as a source of power for various mills along its banks, was used as a water supply for the residents of Baltimore. It supplied the first reservoir built, located at Cathedral and Franklin Streets. By 1896, all of the Mount Royal area had been developed with the exception of the Bond property at the southernmost corner along Mount Royal Terrace; and by 1914, all the Bond property was developed except a few acres surrounding the mansion. 

The early 1900s ushered in booming industrial activity and the automobile was introduced. Hundreds of newcomers crowded into the City developing a great need for housing. In the 1940s the Mount Royal area began to undergo a physical decline. Concerned homeowners realized that their neighborhoods were deteriorating and decided to try to do something to combat the blighting conditions. As a result of this concern, the Mount Royal Improvement Association was formed.

In 1948, when the City undertook the largest housing inspection of 3,500 houses that it had ever taken, many homeowners who lived in the Mount Royal area were shocked to learn about the conditions that existed. Many families moved out of the area completely. Others stayed to try to protect their homes, but in 1948 a crime wave plagued the Mount Royal area.

During the 1970s, Reservoir Hill experienced a number of shifts in housing and resident issues. Generally, there was deterioration in housing and a loss of some of the commercial strips in the neighborhood, namely the one located on Whitelock. The result was several neighborhood associations and grassroots campaigns. 

There were a number of individuals who contributed greatly to the neighborhood including Parren Mitchell and those who aided in the establishment of the Reservoir Hill Improvement Council and bringing many neighborhood groups together as one voice. Major progress occurred when the organization shifted from being volunteer based to being staffed. 

Neighborhood baseball team led by Mr. German after whom German Park is named.

Reservoir Hill has strong ties to Jewish and African-American history in Baltimore. The neighborhood's history shines through its architecture, and its past and current residents have shaped the vibrant, modern community Reservoir Hill is today. There is an urban farm that sells its produce right in the community, two community gardens, and a newly redesigned neighborhood school. Reservoir Hill is also an original Baltimore Healthy Neighborhood and a lively place with strong sense of community and high level of civic engagement.