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, with part of the course running across Pennsylvania Avenue and through what is now Lafayette Park."

The United States Capitol is seen along the Freedom 250 Grand Prix track outside of the National Gallery of Art on Thursday. (Finn Gomez/Getty Images)

According to the White House Historical Association, "the north grounds of the President's Park came alive at daybreak with the raising of tents and booths, soon followed by crowds of people. A festival took place just for the day. Food and drink and cottage goods of all types were sold. There were horse races and parades of the Washington Militia, along with other military companies. 

After the festivities, Jefferson invited attendees into the White House. The tradition of an annual reception at the White House continued for much of the nineteenth century.

Not only did Jefferson host a horse race near the White House, but he was an avid supporter and participant in horse racing. He often attended meets at the National Race Course in Washington, D.C.

Now Donald J. Trump, the 47th president of the U.S., is helping to bring a 250-mile, 147-lap race to Washington, D.C. to celebrate America's 250th birthday. 

"I'm thrilled to be here with some of the most extraordinary