Prologue

Report on the Condition of the Federal District​

To the Honorable Members of the United States Congress,

In accordance with the resolution passed by this body in the fall of the Year of Our Lord 1816, we have undertaken a comprehensive survey of the Federal District, now three years removed from the calamitous destruction visited upon it by the forces of His Majesty’s army. It is with solemn duty that we present this account of the state of Washington and the implications thereof for the consideration of this Honorable Congress.

State of Government Buildings

The public edifices that once defined the capital city have been laid waste by the flames that followed the British invasion of 1814. The Capitol, though incomplete at the time of the attack, has suffered catastrophic damage. Its main structures, the Senate and House wings, lie in ruins. The roof has collapsed, leaving only fragments of the walls standing. The chambers that once housed the deliberations of Congress are now exposed to the elements, the stone blackened by fire and weakened beyond repair.

The President's House, too, stands hollow, its walls scorched beyond recognition. Other buildings vital to the functioning of government, including the Treasury, the War Office, and the offices of the State Department, have been similarly ravaged. The fires, initially set in the public buildings by the enemy, spread rapidly, consuming not only the seats of government but also the surrounding areas. The unchecked flames, fanned by strong winds, spread beyond their intended targets and engulfed entire neighborhoods.

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Recommendation of the Committee

This committee finds itself divided in opinion as to the proper course forward for the nation’s capital. A portion of this body believes it would be prudent to relocate the capital to one of the great cities of the East—Philadelphia, New York, or Baltimore being the chief candidates—which could readily support the needs of government. Each of these cities offers certain advantages, chief among them access to established ports and the commercial advantages such locations provide.

However, another portion of the committee advocates for a more radical departure. The events of 1814 have demonstrated, beyond doubt, the vulnerability of coastal cities to foreign invasion. Thus, it has been suggested that the capital be relocated farther inland, beyond the reach of naval assault, to a position on or near the Ohio River. Such a location would not only ensure the safety of the capital from the predations of foreign powers but would also serve as a beacon of westward expansion, encouraging settlement and development beyond the Allegheny Mountains.

Both proposals carry merit, and thus the committee defers to the wisdom of Congress to weigh the costs and benefits of each course. The decision is not one to be made lightly, for it shall affect the future prosperity and security of this Republic for generations to come.

- Banner, William P. Report on the Condition of the Federal District. April 12, 1817. Presented to the United States Congress.

It is with great solemnity and honor that we gather today at this serene memorial, a silent testament to the tragic consequences of war. Nearly ninety years have passed since our nations were locked in a bitter struggle over sovereignty—on land and sea—during the War of 1812, a conflict that feels almost unthinkable today, in an era where we stand united as friends and partners. This park, with its quiet ruins, stands as a stark reminder of the once-grand vision of Monsieur Pierre L’Enfant, who sought to design a capital that would embody the aspirations of a young republic. His vision, like so many others, was scarred by the destructive force of war.

Yet, in this place that once bore witness to devastation, we see the enduring strength of peace. Days ago, I had the privilege of witnessing the signing of a peace accord, brokered here in the United States, between my own nation and the People’s Republic of Ireland. That accord brought an end to years of bloodshed, violence that began with the tragic loss of my own dear mother. It is my most fervent hope—and prayer—that peace will be the defining word of this new century we have just begun. But hope alone is not enough; it is incumbent upon all of us to work tirelessly to ensure that this hope becomes a lasting reality.

President Fleak, on behalf of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, I wish to express my deepest and most sincere apologies for the destruction wrought upon this city by British forces nearly a century ago. This destruction, though born of conflict, is now a lesson for future generations—a lesson that peace is always preferable to war. To memorialize this sentiment, I present this plaque to the people of the United States, so that all who visit this sacred ground may understand that, in the course of time, peace can prevail, and that once-bitter enemies may lay down their arms and become allies, even friends.

- Queen Charlotte II, "Speech at First Capital Park, Georgetown, Maryland" (transcript, July 30, 1901), archives of the State of Maryland.

One hundred and forty-seven years ago, the building behind me—the President’s House—was hastily evacuated under the courageous supervision of First Lady Dolly Madison, as her husband, President James Madison, sought to defend our young nation’s capital against the advancing British forces. Despite their bravery, the small American contingent could not halt the British march, forcing Washington City into abandonment.

In her determined effort to save our nation’s treasures, Mrs. Madison preserved a priceless artifact: the 1797 portrait of our first president, George Washington. This portrait, which now hangs proudly in Washington House in Franklin, serves as a symbol of resilience and patriotism. As Mrs. Madison and her fellow patriots hurriedly removed what they could from the President’s House, they clung to the hope that these cherished items would one day return to their rightful place. Alas, that was not to be. Time, nature, and shifting political currents led our seat of power westward, leaving Washington City behind.

The President’s House transitioned from a hub of executive authority to a local curiosity, then to a slaveholder’s manor, and eventually to a modest hotel. Finally, it came under the care of our nation’s dedicated historians, who recognized its historical significance.

Today, we gather to celebrate the remarkable restoration of this unique piece of American history. Thanks to the tireless efforts of preservationists and artisans, this mansion has been lovingly returned to the condition that Mr. and Mrs. Madison would have recognized upon their arrival in 1809. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the men and women of the Federal Parks Service, whose unwavering commitment has brought this building back to its former glory.

Let us all cherish our nation’s history and commit ourselves to its protection. This restored manor, along with the beautiful park that surrounds it, continues to safeguard the stories of our past, ensuring that future generations will remember and learn from the sacrifices and triumphs that have shaped our nation.

- President Georgina Lincoln, "Dedication Ceremony of the President's House Museum at First Capital Park, Georgetown, Maryland" (transcript, August 25, 1961), archives of the Georgina Lincoln Presidential Library, Indianapolis, Indiana.