Information Panel: The White House Ablaze, War in the Chesapeake, O! say can you see

Interpretive Panel: White House Ablaze

NPS / Claire Hassler

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WHITE HOUSE ABLAZE: For Americans, August 24, 1814, was one of the darkest days of the War of 1812. After a victory at nearby Bladensburg, Maryland, British soldiers marched on Washington, destroying the U.S. Capitol and many other public buildings.

President James Madison sent word to his wife, Dolley, to flee the President's House. As the British approached the city, the first lady, with the help of her aides and enslaved workers, escaped with as many treasures as they could. The British arrived at the White House about 11 p.m. After nearly an hour of eating and taking souvenirs, they torched the structure, leaving only a roofless stone shell.

"In the [President's House] not an inch, but its crack'd and blacken'd walls remain'd. That scene...which when I last visited it was so splendid...was now nothing but ashes..."
-Margaret Bayard Smith letter, August 30, 1814

Nearby places to learn more about the War of 1812:
Lafayette Park - Get an optimal view of the White House and see the equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, American hero of the War of 1812.
To the right is a photo of the white dome and columns of the U.S. Capitol building set against a blue sky. Text above reads:

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center - See artifacts from the war and a model representing the Capitol in 1814.

War in the Chesapeake

During the War of 1812 the young United States was embroiled in conflict with Great Britain. From 1812 to 1815 Americans fought to protect their rights and economic independence. They faced superior enemy forces on the homefront and the high seas.The strategically important Chesapeake Bay region felt the brunt of the war, choked by shipping blockades and ravaged by enemy raids. The events in this region were crucial to the outcome of the war.

Though there was no clear victor at the end of the war, the United States protected its democracy and emerged with heightened stature on the world stage.

Explore this pivotal time in American history along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. To learn more, visit www.starspangledtrail.net and www.nps.gov/stsp.

"O! say can you see..."

After a 25-hour bombardment, soldiers at Fort McHenry raised a large American flag early on September 14, 1814. That flag, signaling British retreat, inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the words that became America's national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail traces the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake. Along the trail you'll encounter tangible evidence of the war and stories that bring the people and events to life. Discover the far-reaching impacts of the war on this country and the world.

Experience the Trail

• Drive through rural landscapes and historic communities
• Paddle or cruise waterways where British and American troops once traveled
• Witness battles at reenactment events
• View the original Star-Spangled Banner flag and visit the house where it was made
• Hike or bike trails with stops at historic sites and scenic overlooks
• Join in commemorative events throughout the region