Washington College, the first college chartered in the new nation, is founded to “nurse the souls of our youth up to the love of LIBERTY and KNOWLEDGE.” George Washington lends his name to this College during his lifetime and serves on its board. Founder Dr. William Smith (1727-1803), a Scottish immigrant, aims to keep “the legacy of the country’s founders alive, preserving their ideals and virtues into the distant future” with “youth of all religious denominations…freely and liberally admitted.”

President Madison flees invading British Army, spends night in Brookeville
Pres. James Madison flees the British army. He spends night of August 26, 1814 in Brookeville with strongbox containing entire US treasury. The small Quaker Community of Brookeville is first to be the US Capital for a day.



