The War of 1812

The Potomac River played a crucial role in the military operations of the War of 1812, particularly during the British invasion of Washington DC.

 

A sketch depicting the action fought near Bladensburg during the 1814 battle.

Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division

Battle of Bladensburg

After leaving the Napoleonic wars, British forces were replenished with thousands of veterans. In an attempt to end the war, British military leaders arranged attacks on coastal cities, one of which being Washington DC. Overwhelmed, American forces scattered when the British attacked on August 24, 1814, leaving Washington DC open to invasion. British soldiers began burning the city, forcing government officialsto flee. James and Dolley Madison both fled, but not before Dolley famously saved the portrait of George Washington and many other artifacts.

Blowing up of Fort Warburton

The next day the British sailed up the Potomac, heading for Alexandria, aware that they were to encounter Fort Warburton. Before they could destroy it on August 27, Captain Samual Dyson chose to evacuate his men and blew up the fort before it could fall into British hands. The failure of the fort would set a precident for the selection of fortification sites and represents a turning point in military strategy and technology.

Raid on Alexandria

With Fort Warburton out of the way, Alexandria was wide open and on August 28, Charles Sims rowed down the river with a white flag. The council handed over ships and merchandise to spare the town, facing criticism for this act.