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War of 1812

DC
In 1814, Washington was Woefully Unprepared to Defend the Young Capital

In 1814, Washington was Woefully Unprepared to Defend the Young Capital

01/22/2021 in DC by Michael Kohler

The U.S. Capitol Building has been attacked a small handful of times, but the first and most devastating assault on the seat of American democracy in 1814 by the British army bears a striking resemblance to the events of January 6, 2021.

 

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DC
Dolley Madison, the Queen of Washington

Dolley Madison, the Queen of Washington

03/26/2020 in DC by Katherine Brodt

Today she is widely remembered for her heroism during the War of 1812, when she saved a portrait of George Washington from being taken and burned by British invaders. But during her lifetime, Dolley Madison was best known as a prominent socialite, hostess, and politician in her own right — one of the country’s first celebrity personalities. 

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DC
What is the True Story Behind Georgetown's Gun Barrel Fence?

What is the True Story Behind Georgetown's Gun Barrel Fence?

12/14/2017 in DC by Callum Cleary

At first sight, the old wrought iron fence on the corner of P and 28th streets appears indistinct from the many other railings that skirt Georgetown’s redbrick sidewalks. Upon closer inspection, however, it’s clear this fence is unique. Cracks in some of the pickets reveal that although each upright is hollow, the walls of the pickets are far thicker than is structurally necessary for a perimeter fence. Plus, a number of the pickets feature small nubs just below the attached spikes, which, even to the untrained eye, resemble gun sights. While the Gun Barrel Fence has long been a Georgetown landmark, the fence’s origins remain shrouded in mystery and misconception. Let’s bust some myths, shall we?

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DC
Lost from History: Josias Wilson King

Lost from History: Josias Wilson King

02/22/2017 in DC by Kirsten Hankins

Josias Wilson King is a name that would probably not ring any bells. In fact, even when Google-searched, it takes a great amount of effort to find much if anything about him. In life, however, he interacted with some of the most prominent men in American history – Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison – was involved in the first scandal in the Library of Congress’ history, and helped to save America’s keystone documents.

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DC
Fire and Rain: The Storm That Changed D.C. History

Fire and Rain: The Storm That Changed D.C. History

07/30/2015 in DC by Benjamin Shaw

On Aug. 24, 1814, for the first and only time in our country's history, Washington, D.C. was overrun by an invading army. The British army had easily defeated inexperienced American defenders, and set the city ablaze. The President fled to Brookeville, MD, and many of the citizens had fled along with the army. Those few residents of the capital who hadn't already fled may well have prayed for anything that could stop the flames. What they got, however, was something far more than they were hoping for: a "tornado" more powerful than any storm in living memory.

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DC

Emergency Quarters for Congress: The War of 1812 Forces the Senate to Take Up Lofty Business in a Lowly Tavern

10/09/2013 in DC by Ariel Veroske

August of 1814 was a pretty hot month, thanks to Mother Nature… Oh, and the British. After trouncing local militia troops at the Battle of Bladensburg, the redcoats burned the majority of important government buildings in D.C. and chased President Madison out of town. In addition to the White House, the fires destroyed the Senate’s wing of the Capitol and turned much of the Library of Congress’ books and manuscripts into smoldering ash. The intense heat melted the marble chamber into limestone, transforming the room into “a most magnificent ruin.”

Beyond cleaning up the damage, there was the obvious problem of getting the government back up and running. Sound familiar?

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DC
Impressions of Washington: By the Light of the White House being Engulfed in Flames

Impressions of Washington: By the Light of the White House being Engulfed in Flames

04/18/2013 in DC by Claudia Swain

Washington, D.C. has had many visitors since it’s inception, but it cannot be said that everyone was a huge fan. Actually, in 1814, there were quite a number of people who were a bit upset with the Capitol. You might have heard of them... The British?

Yes, on August 24, 1814, the British attacked and burned Washington, D.C. One of their number, George Robert Gleig, apparently found enough time whilst attacking the city at night in the middle of a hurricane to take in the sights and form some opinions.

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Maryland
Capital for a Day

Capital for a Day

11/14/2012 in Maryland by Will Hughes

If you’re passing through Brookeville, Maryland these days the town might not seem too different from the other suburban stops along Georgia Avenue. But don’t be fooled. Brookeville has a unique claim to fame. For one day during the War of 1812, it was the capital of the United States.

But if a couple of residents would've had their way, it wouldn't have happened!

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