The community in the area originally was mostly African-Americans—it was one of a series of free-born settlements along Falls Road, along with communities at Mount Washington, Bare Hills, and Shawan. The Cross Keys area was once known as West Roland Park, in reference to the adjacent neighborhorhood, however, it was listed as Cross Keys Village on early maps, and referred to simply as "The Road," or "The Falls Road," by its residents.
Originally, the community in the area consisted mainly of African-Americans—it was part of a series of free-born settlements along Falls Road, alongside communities at Mount Washington, Bare Hills, and Shawan. The Cross Keys area used to be known as West Roland Park due to its proximity to another neighborhood; however, it was referred to as Cross Keys Village on early maps and simply as "The Road" or "The Falls Road" by the locals.