The introduction of a department of theoretical and practical agriculture by Principal Elisha J. Hall in 1849 was one of the more important additions to the courses of study. "The early depletion of the soils of Montgomery County and the first use of chemical fertilizer" (38) introduced into the community were probable causes for such an action. Later in 1872, "a plan to begin military training in the Academy"(39) was proposed to the Legislature, however no action was taken by the State and the Academy did not pursue the proposal further.

38 E. Guy Jewell , A History of the Brookeville Academy, (Rockville, Maryland: unpublished manuscript), p. 32.

39 Ibid.