The Freedom 250 Continues The History Of DC Races Celebrating America's Birthday

The Freedom 250 isn't the first race hosted in Washington, D.C. by the U.S. president in celebration of America's birthday. 

On July 4th, 1801, 225 years ago, to celebrate America's 25th birthday, President Thomas Jefferson helped put on festivities including horseback riding and cockfighting in Washington, D.C., according to the White House Historical Association. 

Jefferson, the third President of the United States, and the Washington Jockey Club "established a racecourse just blocks from the White House...