Conn’s Ferry Crossing Historic Marker to be Dedicated

From Fairfax County:

If you love history join us as we dedicate an historic marker and tell the story of Conn’s Ferry Crossing. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County History Commission and the Fairfax County Park Authority Board invite you to Riverbend Park to remember a time in history when our nation was in peril and our president on the run. The brief dedication is scheduled for Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Riverbend Park located at 8700 Potomac Hills Street in Great Falls, VA.

The marker commemorates the anniversary of President James Madison’s river crossing at Conn’s Ferry during the War of 1812. It is located at the river’s edge. Following the defeat of American forces at Bladensburg, Maryland on August 24, 1814, a small British force marched into the capital city and set it ablaze. President Madison, his wife Dolley and Secretary of State James Monroe escaped into the Virginia countryside, each taking different routes. A raging river and thunderstorms delayed the President’s crossing at the Potomac River until August 26.

Light refreshments will be served after. For more information please contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.

Photo via Pixabay