Razing of Washington- August 25, 1814 |
The Madisons Evacuate WashingtonAfter the British routed American defenses at Bladensburg, Maryland, Washington was left completely unattended, vulnerable to British attack or invasion. U.S. President James Madison, his wife, and his cabinet, all fled Washington to nearby Brookeville, Maryland. It said that Dolley Madison managed to save a copy of the Declaration of Independence and a famous portrait of George Washington, just before the British set fire to the White House. Although Washington was not considered a strategic port or place of capture, British forces sought revenge on the Americans for their raid on Port Dover in May of 1814. Iconic Buildings BurnUnder the command of Robert Ross, who would be killed at the Battle of Baltimore, British soldiers entered Washington in the area now known as Capitol Hill on August 25, 1814. The British quickly overran the city and burned the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Senate, House of Representatives, and U.S. Treasury. A Huge Tornado Sweeps Through WashingtonAmazingly, an incredible storm hit Washington the following day, extinguishing fires throughout the city, and spawning a tornado that resulted in the deaths of British soldiers and American civilians. The tornado was one of eight recorded in the history of the District of Columbia. Read more about the Storm That Saved Washington! On to BaltimoreThe British would next turn their attention to the port city of Baltimore to the north. If the British could take Baltimore, their Chesapeake Bay campaign would have been a complete success. Thousands of Americans quickly volunteered for the defense of Baltimore. The Madisons Evacuate WashingtonAfter the British defeated American forces at Bladensburg, Washington, D.C., was left unprotected. President James Madison, his wife Dolley, and his cabinet fled to Brookeville, Maryland. Dolley Madison saved the Declaration of Independence and a portrait of George Washington before the British set the White House on fire. The British attacked Washington in retaliation for the American raid on Port Dover in 1814. Iconic Buildings BurnOn August 25, 1814, British forces, led by General Robert Ross, entered Washington and burned key buildings, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and the U.S. Treasury. A Huge Tornado Sweeps Through WashingtonThe day after the British set fire to the city, a powerful storm hit, putting out many of the fires and creating a tornado. The tornado caused deaths among both British soldiers and American civilians. It was one of only eight tornadoes ever recorded in Washington, D.C. On to BaltimoreAfter burning Washington, the British moved toward Baltimore, hoping to capture the important port city. Many Americans quickly volunteered to defend Baltimore to stop the British from completing their campaign. |
