Bladensburg - August 24, 1814

The American Battlefield Trust's map of the Battle of Bladensburg on August 24, 1814

The Battle of Bladensburg opened the road for the British Army to sack and burn Washington, D.C.  American militia broke quickly under fire from the British veterans, many of whom had just come from fighting Napoleon in Europe. Only a desperate rear-guard action prevented the capture of the whole American force.

Learn more: Battle of Bladensburg