When the George Washington House was built, Bladensburg was a thriving colonial port town due to its deep water port and its location as a tavern and stagecoach stop for travelers on the Old Post Road (later Route 1), a major route linking the North and South. The house was part of a colonial complex of buildings, including the house (which also served as a store and later tavern), the Indian Queen Tavern (adjacent to the house), a billiard hall, a counting house and a blacksmith’s shop; only the George Washington House is now standing. It is believed that George Washington visited the house, particularly because he referred to the site in his correspondence.

The George Washington House had a significant role in the War of 1812. On August 24, 1814, the final battle to save Washington, D.C. from burning by the British was fought at Bladensburg and is known as the Battle of Bladensburg. The house was in the middle of the battle. British troops occupied the Town of Bladensburg and established artillery emplacements on the house grounds prior to seizing the bridge intact over the Anacostia River at Bladensburg and winning the battle. On the very day of the British victory at Bladensburg, the British subsequently entered Washington and burned the Capitol and the White House. The proposed Star-Spangled Banner Trail would follow the historic events in Bladensburg leading to the burning of Washington, D.C. by the British and the later historic defense of Baltimore commemorated in our National Anthem. The George Washington House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The George Washington House is the headquarters of AWS and was purchased from the Aman Memorial Trust in May 2003 with a Legacy grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and major renovation must be done. Renovation needs include a new roof to stop serious and multiple leaks, installation of site drains to stop major basement leaks and mold problems, and repair of colonial bricks which are “imploding” (a rapid decay process which turns colonial bricks into dust). The architect’s plans also call for some space reconfigurations, especially in the twentieth century portions of the house, exterior ramp work, kitchen remodeling and an outdoor rain garden.

AWS’ vision is to restore the building in as sustainable a way as possible while keeping in line with its history so that future generations will have a better understanding of those who came before them. We are currently in the process of finalizing our architectural plans as well as identifying allowable Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified and sustainable features such as Energy Star appliances, low water consumption utilities and low volatile organic compound (VOC) carpets and paints. It is important to note that renovation of this building using green technologies will make it a unique point of interest for eco- and historic tourists alike, bringing further attention to Anacostia River restoration efforts. This will coincide with the historical relevance of the approaching 200 th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the burning of Washington. Furthermore, there is increasing local and national interest in the Anacostia River, particularly with the advent of Major League Baseball in the Nation’s Capitol and the new baseball stadium being built along the Anacostia River.

In 2007, we will finalize our architectural plans by mid-year, begin the bid-process, and then begin construction in the fall. Upon construction being completed, the building will remain as our headquarters and will continue to be used by school groups and community members as a place to appreciate the vast history that exists in the community. At the same time, it will illustrate myriad sustainable features (utilities, appliances, paint, carpet, etc.) mentioned above.

Current funding sources for this project include: The Summit Fund of Washington, DC, State of Maryland— Maryland Bond Grant, Federal Economic Development Initiative Grant, Maryland Historical Trust, MD State Legacy Grant, The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust as well as our Board of Directors and members.

A HERITAGE TO BEHOLD: