The Perilous Night

Remember When the White House Was Burning and the President Hiding: The Burning of Washington D.C.

The Perilous Night

On August 24, 1814, a perilous night fell upon the city of Washington D.C. The British army, led by Major-General Robert Ross, had marched into the American capital unopposed. Their goal was to burn down all the important government buildings, including the White House. President James Madison and his wife, Dolley, were forced to flee the White House as the British approached. The President took shelter in a nearby tavern, while Dolley went to the home of a friend.

The Burning Begins

The British soldiers began setting fire to the government buildings one by one. The Capitol, the Treasury, and the State Department were all reduced to ashes. The White House was one of the last buildings to be set on fire. As the flames consumed the White House, President Madison watched in horror from his hiding place. He knew that the loss of the White House was a major blow to the American government.

The British continued to burn Washington for three days before finally withdrawing. By the time they left, the city was in ruins. The White House was completely destroyed, and the Capitol was badly damaged.

The burning of Washington was a major turning point in the War of 1812. The British had shown that they were capable of invading and burning the American capital. This event humiliated the American government and led to a loss of confidence in President Madison.