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Flight of the Madisons: James at Minor's Hill

Flight of the Madisons: James at Minor's Hill

Minor's Hill and Wren's Tavern located on a contemplated turnpike route from Alexandra to Difficult Run, a detail from a plat by I.A. Sommers in 1837.

During his flight from burning Washington, James Madison paused for a respite at Minor's Hill, which overlooked the village of Falls Church and was the highest elevation in Arlington County. He didn't stay because the cabin-style house was too congested with other evacuees fleeing the British.

Credit
Office of Comprehensive Planning, Fairfax, VA