The Lost History of Potomac Marble

Come join us and learn about the fascinating history of the marble used to build the Capitol and other buildings in Washington, DC, after its destruction by the British in 1814. President Monroe and architect Benjamin Latrobe chose to use Potomac Marble, which exists in abundance on both sides of the Potomac River from Leesburg to Montgomery County, as their preferred building material.

Paul Kreingold, the Conservation Director of the Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, will review the history of the British invasion of 1814 and describe how Potomac Marble was quarried and transported to Washington, DC, in the early 19th century.