On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces led by Major-General Robert Ross captured Washington, D.C. and set fire to the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and other government buildings. [1, 2]
The attack served as retaliation for the earlier American burning of York (modern-day Toronto) in Canada. [1]
Key Details of the Event
- The Date: August 24, 1814, following the American defeat at the Battle of Bladensburg. [1]
- The Retaliation: British troops wanted to punish the U.S. for destroying public buildings in Upper Canada a year prior. [1]
- The Evacuation: First Lady Dolley Madison stayed behind long enough to ensure a famous portrait of George Washington and other vital state papers were saved before she fled. [1, 2]
- The Occupation: Hungry British soldiers reportedly ate a meal left behind in the presidential dining room before putting the mansion to the torch. [1]
- The Aftermath: A sudden, violent summer storm—including heavy rain and a reported localized tornado—extinguished the fires the next day, forcing the British to retreat to their ships. The gutted stone structure was later rebuilt and painted white, eventually giving rise to its permanent name. [1, 2]
More On The War Of 1812:
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1 comment:
The only problem with burning now DC today is that they would STEAL another trillion or more to rebuild it.
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