Burning of Washington

The British capture and destruction of public buildings in Washington, D.C., on August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812. The attack included the burning of the Capitol and the President’s House.

War of 1812: A war fought between the United States and Britain and their allies from 1812 to 1815. The British raid on Washington was a major episode in this conflict.
United States Capitol: The building in Washington, D.C., housing the legislative branch of the United States government. British forces set fire to the Capitol during the occupation.
James Madison: The fourth president of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817. Madison and his administration fled Washington as British troops approached.
Treaty of Ghent: The 1814 treaty that ended the War of 1812 and restored prewar territorial boundaries. It ended the war months after the British attack on Washington.
Battle of Bladensburg: A British victory over American forces near Washington, D.C., on August 24, 1814. Its outcome left the capital exposed to the advancing British troops.
President's House: The official residence and workplace of the president of the United States, now called the White House. The British burned it after the presidential household had evacuated.
Dolley Madison: The wife of President James Madison and a prominent social figure in the early United States. She helped evacuate valuables, including Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington.
Battle of Baltimore: An American defense of Baltimore against British forces in September 1814 during the War of 1812. The British failure there halted their campaign after the capture of Washington.
Chesapeake Campaign: A British military campaign in the Chesapeake Bay region during the War of 1812. The Washington raid formed the campaign’s most conspicuous operation.
Library of Congress: The research library serving the United States Congress and the national library of the country. Its early collection was destroyed when the Capitol burned.

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The White HouseRelated: The fire damaged the residence and led to its reconstruction.