An insightful re-examination of one of the most dangerous moments in US history, the British assault on Washington, DC

Perhaps no other single day in US history was as threatening to the survival of the nation as August 24, 1814, when British forces captured Washington, DC. This unique moment might have significantly altered the nation's path forward, but the event and the reasons why it happened are little remembered by most Americans. When Washington Burned narrates and examines the British campaign and American missteps that led to the fall of Washington during the War of 1812. Watson analyzes the actions of key figures on both sides, such as President James Madison and General William Winder on the US side and Rear Admiral George Cockburn and Major General Robert Ross on the British side. He pinpoints the reasons the campaign was such a disaster for the United States but also tells the redeeming stories of the courageous young clerks and the bold first lady, Dolley Madison, who risked their lives to save priceless artifacts and documents from the flames, including the Constitution. The British invasion was repulsed over the coming weeks and months, and the United States ultimately emerged stronger. General readers interested in the history of Washington, US history, and military history will be fascinated by this book.

Robert P. Watson is Distinguished Professor of American History at Lynn University and the author or editor of more than forty books, including George Washington's Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and a Nation (Georgetown University Press, 2021).

List of Illustrations Preface

Prologue: The Sacking of York PART 1: CHESAPEAKE CAMPAIGN1. "The Silliest Damned War" 2. A Fateful Decision 3. Defenses 4. The March to Washington 5. Saving History 6. National Treasures

PART II: DESTRUCTION IN WASHINGTON7. The Bladensburg Races 8. Saving the Army 9. Put to the Torch 10. "Queen Dolley" 11. "C" is for Cockburn 12. The "Finger" of George Washington

PART III: FUTURE OF THE CAPITAL13. Destruction and Despair14. "The Robbing of Alexandria" 15. Another Invasion 16. "O Say, Can You See" 17. Inquiry 18. The Debate

PART IV: REBIRTH OF A NATION19. The Vote 20. Negotiations 21. "Peace! Peace!"22. Rebuilding the Capital City 23. Conclusion 24. Epilogue Appendix A: Extract of Dolley Madison's Letter to Her Sister, August 23, 1814 Appendix B: Account of the Burning of Washington by Capt. Harry Smith, Adjutant to Maj. Gen Robert Ross Appendix C: Account of the Burning of Washington by Lt. James Scott, Adjutant to Adm. George Cockburn Appendix D: Extract of Account from Stephen Pleasonton of Saving National Treasures Bibliography Notes IndexAbout the Author