The Burning of the White House During the War of 1812: A Detailed Account
The War of 1812, a pivotal conflict in American history, saw a significant event that went beyond military engagements: the British invasion and the burning of the White House. This article delves into the details of this historic event, providing context and historical analysis.
Context of the War and Naval Control
The War of 1812 began with the British having complete and utter control of the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. While the United States Navy (USN) managed to win a few minor engagements, the Royal Navy quickly realized the danger posed by the handful of American super-frigates operating in those waters. They dispatched sufficient forces to neutralize this threat, effectively bottling up American navy ships in their ports. The main naval engagement of this period, the Battle of Shannon-Chesapeake, resulted in a decisive victory for the Royal Navy, further solidifying their naval supremacy.
Though the British destroyed the American economy and won the war, their focus was more on the uneasy peace in Europe post-Napoleonic wars. This war, therefore, was not a significant concern for them, making the burning of the White House a small, though notable, act of reprisal rather than an intent to conquer or punish.
The British Invasion
On August 24, 1814, British troops under General Ross and Admiral Cockburn reached Washington, D.C., after defeating the American army at the Battle of Bladensburg. They immediately set up their headquarters on Capitol Hill before proceeding to the very symbol of American governance: the White House.
General Ross dispatched a company of troops to guard civilian buildings to prevent looting, setting a strict rule against the taking of personal property. Despite these precautions, one soldier was caught taking ‘souvenirs,’ leading to a swift and summary trial, resulting in his execution. This act ensured that the looting rule was strictly followed in subsequent operations.
The Devastation of the White House
Upon arrival at the White House, the British found the dining table laid out for a banquet, complete with uneaten food and undrunk wine. The troops, having not eaten since breakfast, took full advantage of the feast, toasting to the health of the Prince Regent with the President’s best wine. Some of the soldiers also took ‘souvenirs,’ such as James Madison’s hat and personal items from his wife’s favorite chair, adhering somewhat to Admiral Cockburn's rule that only items of low value could be taken.
Following this, the troops meticulously set up the house for a fire. They tipped drawers out into the middle of each room and piled up any wooden furniture, doors, and window shutters. Some soldiers even carried axes to reduce larger items into kindling. After ensuring the interior was ready, they set several Congreve rockets atop the piles of wood and gunpowder, effectively turning the White House into a tinderbox.
The British set fire to the piles at the outset of their withdrawal, hastily retreating before the flames could spread further. The White House burned throughout the night, continuing until the following day. It took a major rainstorm to extinguish the blaze, leaving only the outer walls standing.
Aftermath and Impact
The damage caused by the burning of the White House extended beyond the immediate destruction of the building. Over 24 August and the following day, the British burned down all but two other government buildings in Washington, D.C. The US Patent Office was spared due to its scientific importance, while the barracks and Commandant’s House of the US Marines in the Washington Navy Yard were saved out of courtesy from the Royal Marines.
The fires caused by the British invasion were visible up to 50 miles away, a testament to the destruction and chaos that ensued. Despite the burning of Washington, the British forces withdrew and returned to their ships, having accomplished their mission of diverting American troops and lashing out at American towns, as retaliation for the earlier burning of Canadian towns by the Americans.
Conclusion
The burning of the White House during the War of 1812 was a symbolic blow to American pride and a significant event in American history. It serves as a reminder of the brutal nature of war and the extent to which enemies would go to spite each other. The story of the White House's destruction is an enduring part of American heritage, reflecting the resilience and determination of the American people in the face of great adversity.