British troops defeated an American force at Bladensburg on 24 August 1814 and entered Washington later that day. That evening they began burning public buildings in the United States’ capital, including the Capitol and the President’s House.

Britain and the United States had been at war since 1812. For much of the conflict, Britain’s war against Napoleon had limited the forces it could commit to North America. Napoleon’s defeat and abdication in 1814 allowed Britain to send experienced troops across the Atlantic.

A force of about 4,500 men under Major-General Robert Ross landed in Maryland on 19 August. Supported by naval forces under Rear-Admiral George Cockburn, Ross advanced towards Washington.

The Americans attempted to stop him at Bladensburg, a few miles from the capital. Their force included regular soldiers, militia, sailors and marines. The British attacked and broke through the American positions. Many of the defenders retreated, leaving the road to Washington open.

President James Madison and other members of the administration left the capital. Ross’s troops entered Washington that evening.

The British set fire to major government buildings. The Capitol was burned, as was the President’s House, later known as the White House. They also attacked the Treasury and other public property. The destruction was linked in part to earlier American attacks in Upper Canada, including the burning of public buildings at York in 1813.

Some of the destruction was carried out by the Americans. Personnel at the Washington Navy Yard set fire to ships, equipment and stores rather than allow them to be captured.

The British did not attempt to hold Washington. Their occupation lasted little more than a day before Ross’s force withdrew. The war continued, with the British expedition turning next towards Baltimore.