WHITE HOUSE WASTED

On August 24, 1814, British and Canadian forces launched a surprise attack on Washington, DC, during the War of 1812. The following is a chronicle of the daily events during the attack:

August 24, 1814:The British fleet, under the command of Rear Admiral George Cockburn, sailed up the Potomac River and landed troops at Benedict, Maryland, about 40 miles southeast of Washington, DC. The troops then began to march towards Washington. At the same time, the British squadron bombarded Fort Warburton, causing it to be evacuated.

August 25, 1814:The British troops continued their march towards Washington, encountering little resistance along the way. President James Madison and other government officials fled the city, leaving it undefended.

August 26, 1814:The British troops entered Washington, DC, encountering only scattered resistance from a few militiamen. They set fire to several public buildings, including the Capitol, the White House, and the Treasury Department. The British also looted private homes and businesses.

August 27, 1814:The British continued to burn public buildings, including the State Department, the War Department, and the Navy Yard. A sudden and severe thunderstorm, known as the "Storm that Saved Washington," extinguished some of the fires and prevented the British from doing further damage.

August 28, 1814:The British troops began to withdraw from Washington, DC, as their mission was accomplished. They marched back towards the Chesapeake Bay, where their fleet was waiting.

The attack on Washington, DC, was a devastating blow to the United States. It was the first time in its history that the capital had been occupied by a foreign power. The damage done to the city was extensive, and it took years to rebuild. However, the attack also rallied the American people and strengthened their resolve to continue fighting in the War of 1812.