Clearing the Way to Washington

The Battle of Bladensburg on August 24, 1814, ended in defeat for the United States and opened the way for a British invasion of Washington, D.C. After Americans recognized the British route of advance, they had little time to prepare and quickly formed defensive lines near the port town of Bladensburg, where the British would cross the Eastern Branch of the Potomac, now known as the Anacostia. Although more numerous, the poorly trained and ill-equipped American militia could not withstand the seasoned British army. That night, while buildings in Washington burned and the White House was ravaged, news of the rout at Bladensburg spread across the countryside. On August 23, 1814, Secretary of State James Monroe warned President James Madison, "The enemy are in full march to Washington. Have the materials to destroy the bridges." American hero Joshua Barney was wounded in the battle, captured by the British, and then pardoned for bravery.

Bladensburg, Maryland · United States