Brookeville in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Refuge
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 20, 2014
1. A Refuge Marker
Many Washington residents fleeing the British invasion in August 1814 converged on this quiet village. Brookeville also provided a haven for hungry soldiers as they headed for Baltimore following the American Defeat at Bladensburg.
On August 26, an exhausted President Madison arrived at the home of postmaster Caleb Bentley, where "all hands went to work to prepare supper and lodging for him" and his companions.
"It is against our principles to have anything to do with war, but we receive and relieve all who come to us." — Henrietta Bentley, quoted by Margaret Bayard Smith, August 1814
Safekeeping
The message "You had better remove the records," alerted President Madison that an attack was imminent and the nation's important documents should be secured outside the city. Senate papers and money from Washington banks were sent to Brookeville.
Erected 2014 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #04 James Madison, and the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is August 26, 1814.
Location. 39° 10.818′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Brookeville Academy (here, next to this marker); Newlin’s Mill Millstone (a few steps from this marker); August 26, 1814 (within shouting distance of this marker); Brookeville (within shouting distance of this marker); Brookeville Angel (within shouting distance of this marker); Margaret Brooke House (within shouting distance of this marker); Murphy House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gassaway House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brookeville.
Also see . . . Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Sign Unveiled in Brookeville. by Sonya Burke, Montgomery Community Media. (Photos and Video) (Submitted on August 21, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 20, 2014
2. A Refuge Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 20, 2014
3. Three Markers
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 20, 2014
4. Bentley House
The home of local Quakers Caleb and Henrietta Bentley where the president stayed is called "Madison House," and Brookeville became known as "United States Capital for a Day."Close-up of Elizabeth Simonson painting on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 20, 2014
5. United States Capital for a Day
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 20, 2014
6. Madison Riding into Brookville
Aug. 26, 1814
Aug. 26, 1814
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 20, 2014
7. Madison Working at Bentley House
President Madison's guards stood watch as he worked through the night at the Bentley home.Close-up of Gerry Embleton painting on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 20, 2014
8. Bentley House
In 2014, Madison House is the home of Sandy and Duane Heiler.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 642 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 20, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
