When Washington Burned: The War of 1812 and how it led to the White House's destruction

On Aug. 24, 1814 — 210 years ago Saturday — the British marched into Washington, D.C., and set fire to the Capitol, the White House and most other government facilities in our capital city.

For the Americans, it was the lowest point of what would become known as the War of 1812.

The War of 1812

The young United States of America finds itself caught up in a war between Great Britain and France. The British navy — the most powerful military force in the world — stops U.S. ships and forces thousands of former British citizens back into service aboard its vessels.

By June 1812, the U.S. has had enough. It declares war against Great Britain.

The U.S. makes a number of attempts to invade Canada. In April 1813, it finally succeeds at capturing the Canadian capital city of York — present-day Toronto. Elated American troops burn and loot the city. Humiliated, the British vow to turn the tables.

Once the British defeat Napoleon’s armies in Europe in the spring of 1814, they turn their attention to their former colonies. Britain sends 4,500 veterans of the European campaign to America, even as the tsar of Russia brings U.S. and British envoys together in Belgium to negotiate peace.

In the U.S., citizens grow weary of the war and a British blockade of U.S. harbors. Especially in the Northeast, objections to (President James) “Madison’s war” strengthen. New England threatens to secede if peace doesn’t come soon.

Aug. 19, 1814

British troops land in Maryland and begin to march toward Washington. A feint to the Northeast gives U.S. military officials the impression that the British are headed to the port city of Baltimore.

Aug. 22

James Madison, the country’s fourth president, rides with his Cabinet to watch what they expect will be a valiant stand at Bladensburg, Maryland. His wife, Dolley — a much beloved character in Washington — stays behind to oversee preparation of a lavish victory dinner party on the 24th.

Aug. 23

The British rout the American militia at Bladensburg. Nothing stands between the British and Washington, just 6 miles away.

Residents who had expected to watch an American victory flee to the city in what becomes known as “the Bladensburg Races.”

Pandemonium erupts across the capital city. Residents clog the roads with horsedrawn carts piled high with their belongings. Inexperienced clerks left in charge of federal buildings wonder if they have the authority to remove national documents. By the time they decide they must take action, they find no carts left in the city.

One State Department clerk, Stephen Pleasonton, stuffs the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and George Washington’s letters into a makeshift linen book bag and heads south to Leesburg, Virginia. On his way out of the city, he passes Secretary of War John Armstrong, who chews out the young man for assuming the worst.

Aug. 24, 1814

Dolley Madison watches with her spyglass from the roof of the Executive Mansion, wondering why the militia seems to be straggling back into the city. Friends urge her to leave the city — now.

Source: The White House

As she loads her carriage, she takes a sudden interest in the enormous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington on the wall of the State Dining Room.

The aforementioned portrait, now one o the most famous depictions of President George Washington.

Source: The White House

Unable to remove the frame from the wall, Dolley asks guests to break the frame without damaging the painting.

National treasures in tow, Dolley evacuates to the west — across the Potomac River and away from the invading British.

Aug. 24th, On The War Front

The British arrive in Washington around sunset and set fire to the House and Senate chambers and other government buildings.

As they sweep across the city, British officers pause to assure the residents who remain they’ll be safe from destruction as long as they don’t take up arms against the troops.

Sentries are posted at several homes and businesses to protect them from looters from either side.

Troops reach the Presidential Mansion just before midnight and are delighted to find dinner ready to be served.

They eat, pile their chairs atop the table and fling oil-soaked rags into the mansion. The president’s mansion goes up in flames.

Source: Library of Congress

The End of The War

Sept. 6-11

The U.S. defeats British forces in the Battle of Plattsburg on Lake Champlain, New York.

Sept. 13

Fresh from their sacking of Washington, British troops and vessels attack Fort McHenry in Baltimore. The failure of an all-night bombardment to force a U.S. surrender inspires Francis Scott Key to write what will become the lyrics to “the Star-Spangled Banner.”

Dec. 24

American and British diplomats agree on peace terms at Ghent, Belgium. Neither side is seen as the winner. It will be weeks, however, before news of the treaty reaches the U.S.

Jan. 8, 1815

Gen. Andrew Jackson gives the Americans yet another stunning victory by routing experienced British troops at the Battle of New Orleans.

Feb. 18

The U.S. Senate — meeting in temporary quarters in Washington — ratifies the Treaty of Ghent. The war is officially over. The federal government vows to rebuild its capital city.