[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN COMMEMORATING PRESIDENT JAMES MADISON'S CONN'S FERRY CROSSING

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                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the anniversary of 
President James Madison's river crossing at Conn's Ferry during the War 
of 1812. I would like to also thank the Fairfax County Board of 
Supervisors, the Fairfax History Commission and the Fairfax County Park 
Authority Board on commemorating this historically significant event.
  This important milestone in American history was marked by the 
turmoil of British troops burning down many public buildings in 
Washington D.C. including the White House and the Library of Congress. 
After American forces suffered a military loss at Bladensburg, Maryland 
on August 24, 1814, a number of British soldiers occupied and set fire 
to our nation's capital. Fortunately, President James Madison, his wife 
Dolley and Secretary of State James Monroe escaped through the Virginia 
countryside and found refuge in the small town of Brookeville, 
Maryland. Although the British occupation of Washington D.C. only 
lasted 26 hours, the destruction inflicted left a strong impression 
upon Americans of that time and remains a moment of great historical 
importance.
  I believe that we must seek to preserve American history and to 
remember the struggles of our once young fledgling nation. By 
preserving the area where our President escaped from harm, we have 
built a strong reminder for future generations demonstrating the cost 
of freedom and the sacrifices that were made to strengthen America's 
foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the 
anniversary of President James Madison's river crossing at Conn's 
Ferry, and thanking the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the 
Fairfax History Commission and the Fairfax County Park Authority Board 
on their work to memorialize this day.

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