Fun Fact: What County was the “U.S. Capital for a Day?”

The United States Capital was located in the town of Brookeville for one day. Montgomery County held the prestigious role back in August of 1814. 

Courtesy of MD State Archives: “Madison House,” the Thomas-Bentley House was constructed in approximately 1798

Originally founded in 1794 by Richard Thomas, Jr. and his wife Deborah Brooke Thomas, Brookeville was a rural settlement north of the District of Columbia.

During the War of 1812 Washington, DC was captured and burned by British troops. Residents, including President James Madison were forced to head north. After three days, President Madison came across the small town of Brookeville. Although small, the prosperous industrial town was able to provide food and resources to the refugees and President.

Madison stayed in the home of Caleb and Henrietta Bentley which was since been named the, “Madison House.”

President Madison’s stay was short and he returned to Washington the next day. His stay made Brookeville “U.S. Capital for a Day.”

To learn more about the history of Brookerville please see, Town of Brookerville, MD.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.