Historical1814
British Burn Washington, D.C.
British forces captured Washington, D.C. and set fire to the White House, the Capitol, and other government buildings during the War of 1812. First Lady Dolley Madison famously saved a portrait of George Washington before fleeing.
Why It Matters
The burning of the capital was the only time a foreign power captured and occupied Washington, D.C., and it galvanized American resistance, leading to the defense of Fort McHenry and the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."