US Capital for a Day Celebration

In 1814, as the British burned the capital, refugees from Washington and Georgetown poured into Brookeville and the townspeople took them into their homes. American soldiers leaving Bladensburg and militiamen on their way to Baltimore came to Brookeville, where the citizens gave them food and spirits, a place to camp and pasture their horses. Washington’s banks sent the specie and clerks brought the U.S. Senate’s papers to Brookeville for safekeeping. And finally, after being on the run in northern Virginia for two nights, the President of the United States and members of his Cabinet came to Brookeville, taking refuge at the home of its postmaster. The town became known as the “U.S. Capital for a Day.”

On August 30 and 31, the Town of Brookeville will host its historic celebration as U.S. Capital for a Day by recreating the life and spirit of August, 1814, with living historians playing the roles of local scientists, engineers, teachers, tradesmen, and craftspeople. Costumed volunteers and horses will re-enact the extraordinary events of late August, 1814, including the arrival of President Madison guarded by 20 mounted militiamen. On Saturday evening, the town will welcome visitors with a period dinner and musical entertainment. On Sunday, Brookeville will hold a 200-year family reunion for descendants of those townspeople and refugees who were there in 1814.

Road Closure Information

Under the supervision of the Montgomery County Police, there will be all day road closings of Rt. 97 and Market St. Closings will take place at the intersections of Rt. 97 and Goldmine Rd.; Brookeville Rd. and Market St.; and, Market St. and the WSSC Bldg., near 198 Market St., from 10AM – 7PM on Saturday, and Noon – 6PM Sunday. Detour routes will be clearly marked to take traffic around the town. Click HERE for shuttle bus, resident parking, and emergency vehicle details.

Shuttle buses will bring an expected 10,000 visitors to town from the Glenmont Metro Station (12501 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring), Camp Bennett (20501 Georgia Avenue, Brookville), and Medstar Montgomery Medical Center’s construction lot (across from 18101 Prince Phillip Drive, Olney) to the Longwood Community Center on the south side of town, and to a private residence with a circular driveway near Brookeville Rd. and Rt. 97 on the north side of town.  Golf carts will be used to take participants up the steep hill by the Brookeville Rd. shuttle stop if attendees are unable to walk it.  A shuttle will also take visitors from the Brookeville Rd. shuttle stop to Oakley Cabin further down Brookeville Road for tours.

Town of Brookeville residents will be asked to move their cars outside of town or hide their cars in garages during the event hours to provide an authentic 1812 look.  Residents’ cars will not be able to leave town during the closure hours.  Emergency vehicles will be allowed to travel the closed roads under police direction.

For more details on all the Brookeville events taking place in 2014 to celebrate the U.S. Capital for a Day, go to www.uscapitalforaday.org.