Skip to main content
RETURN TO Return to WETA website Donate
Boundary Stones logo

Main navigation

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • Video
  • About

James Madison

DC
In 1814, Washington was Woefully Unprepared to Defend the Young Capital

In 1814, Washington was Woefully Unprepared to Defend the Young Capital

01/22/2021 in DC by Michael Kohler

The U.S. Capitol Building has been attacked a small handful of times, but the first and most devastating assault on the seat of American democracy in 1814 by the British army bears a striking resemblance to the events of January 6, 2021.

 

  • Share by Facebook
  • Share by Email

Read More

DC
Dolley Madison and The Mercury 7

Dolley Madison and The Mercury 7

10/22/2019 in DC by Emily Robinson

On April 9, 1959, the year-old National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) held a press conference to introduce the first ever American astronauts to the world. The seven military test pilots chosen to make up “The Mercury 7” sat lined at a table in the ballroom of the first NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., as press and public looked on. Although the introduction of astronauts into American culture was historic in itself, the building in which it took place carried a legacy that predated NASA by nearly 140 years. Namely, the building that NASA acquired as its first residence in the District was the longtime home of the lively and revered first lady, Dolley Madison.

  • Share by Facebook
  • Share by Email

Read More

DC
Fire and Rain: The Storm That Changed D.C. History

Fire and Rain: The Storm That Changed D.C. History

07/30/2015 in DC by Benjamin Shaw

On Aug. 24, 1814, for the first and only time in our country's history, Washington, D.C. was overrun by an invading army. The British army had easily defeated inexperienced American defenders, and set the city ablaze. The President fled to Brookeville, MD, and many of the citizens had fled along with the army. Those few residents of the capital who hadn't already fled may well have prayed for anything that could stop the flames. What they got, however, was something far more than they were hoping for: a "tornado" more powerful than any storm in living memory.

  • Share by Facebook
  • Share by Email

Read More

Maryland
Capital for a Day

Capital for a Day

11/14/2012 in Maryland by Will Hughes

If you’re passing through Brookeville, Maryland these days the town might not seem too different from the other suburban stops along Georgia Avenue. But don’t be fooled. Brookeville has a unique claim to fame. For one day during the War of 1812, it was the capital of the United States.

But if a couple of residents would've had their way, it wouldn't have happened!

  • Share by Facebook
  • Share by Email

Read More

Surprise Me!

Not sure where to start reading? Let us pick a story for you!

Categories

  • DC (581)
  • Maryland (112)
  • Virginia (152)

Latest Posts

How a Taxidermist Helped Create the National Zoo and Save the Buffalo From Extinction

11/10/2023

How a Taxidermist Helped Create the National Zoo and Save the Buffalo From Extinction

"It is Well for Us, O Brother": the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Choral Society of Washington D.C.

11/03/2023

"It is Well for Us, O Brother": the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Choral Society of Washington D.C.

The Goatman of Prince George’s County

10/27/2023

The Goatman of Prince George’s County

Most Popular

How a Taxidermist Helped Create the National Zoo and Save the Buffalo From Extinction

11/10/2023

How a Taxidermist Helped Create the National Zoo and Save the Buffalo From Extinction

Eleanor Roosevelt and the Bonus Marchers

09/08/2014

Eleanor Roosevelt and the Bonus Marchers

How Union Station was Saved in the 1980s

11/12/2014

How Union Station was Saved in the 1980s

Tags

1860s1870s1890s1900s1910s1920s1930s1940s1950s1960s1970s1980s1990sAlexandriaArlingtonArtBlack HistoryBygone DCCivil WarGeorgetownMusic HistorySports HistoryWhite HouseWomen's HistoryWorld War II
More
Historical D.C. Metro Map
WETA

Footer menu

  • Support WETA
  • About WETA
  • Press Room
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • RSS
  • Accessibility

Contact Us

  • 3939 Campbell Avenue
    Arlington, VA 22206 | Map
  • 703-998-2600
  • boundarystones@weta.org

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • YouTube

About Boundary Stones

Boundary Stones explores local history in Washington, D.C., suburban Maryland and northern Virginia. This project is a service of WETA and is supported by contributions from readers like you.

DONATE

Copyright © 2023 WETA. All Rights Reserved.

Bottom Footer

  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Guidelines