Burke in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Copperthite Racetrack

Photographed By Trinket Troy, April 15, 2016

1. Copperthite Racetrack Marker

Inscription. In 1897 Henry Copperthite, a Georgetown businessman, purchased Silas Burke’s farm. In 1907 he constructed, according to a newspaper account, the “very best” harness racing facility “of its kind in the country.” The grandstand, which opened on 4 July 1908, held 2,000 people. Horse, motorcycle and car races were also featured. Special trains from the Washington, D.C. area brought visitors to Burke, where they could stay at the new hotel. Families enjoyed fairs, Fort Myer cavalry drills, balloon ascensions, baseball games, athletic contests and dances at the pavilion. For nearly a decade, thousands were entertained at the Copperthite racetrack and fairground.

Erected 2015 by The Fairfax County History Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Fairfax County History Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1908.

Location. 38° 47.467′ N, 77° 16.13′ W. Marker is in Burke, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker is on Burke Road (County Route 652) near Burke Lake Road (County Route 645), on the right when traveling east. It is at the Burke Nursery and Garden Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9401 Burke Rd, Burke VA 22015, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within walking distance of this marker. Marshall Family Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Burke's Station (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Burke's Station (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Burke's Station (approx. ¼ mile away); Post Office (approx. half a mile away); Ice House (approx. half a mile away); The Silas Burke House (approx. half a mile away); Windmill (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burke.

Regarding Copperthite Racetrack. In the 1907, the main line of the Southern Railway, today Norfolk Southern, was laid on the current alignment of Burke Road. Today it is just a few hundred feet north.

Also see . . . A History of Pies, Racing and Summer Fun. 2012 article by Victoria Ross in the Burke Connection. “[Mike Copperthite] told the crowd that Henry was also instrumental in transforming Burke from a sleepy rural town to a thriving resort destination. ‘Henry built the Burke Station Racetrack on land that is now part of the Burke Nursery, four hotels, stables for 75 horses and grandstands to seat more than 2,000 people. His stables housed the horses of President McKinley and Vice President Theodore Roosevelt’.” (Submitted on April 17, 2016.)

Photographed By Trinket Troy, April 15, 2016

2. Copperthite Racetrack Marker

Unveiling of the Copperthite Racetrack Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 31, 2016

3. Unveiling of the Copperthite Racetrack Marker

After speeches on the grounds of the Burke Nursery and Garden Center at the dedication of the marker, dignitaries prepare to unveil the marker. From left to right: Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Eileen Filler-Corn, Virginia House of Delegates Representative; a descendant of Henry Copperthite; and Jon Vrana of the Burke Historical Society.

At the Unveiling of the Copperthite Racetrack Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 31, 2016

4. At the Unveiling of the Copperthite Racetrack Marker

The historical marker was unveiled during the dedication and pie reception. Pies by the Connecticut Copperthite Pie Baking Company of Georgetown were served. From left to right: Jon Vrana, Sharon Bulova, Eileen Filler-Corn and two descendants of Henry Copperthite, including Mike Copperthite, owner of the pie company, on the left. He was instrumental in the erection of this marker.

Poster for the July 31, 2016 Dedication image. Click for full size.

5. Poster for the July 31, 2016 Dedication

This 11 x 17 inch poster could be seen in establishments all over the area announcing the dediction.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,931 times since then and 131 times this year. Last updated on January 4, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 31, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.