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War of 1812
Forging a New American Identity

In 1812 the United States Congress declared war on Great Britain and her colonies in Canada. At issue was Britain's unpopular habit of forcing American sailors into service with the British Navy as it fought France. In addition Britain regularly blocked U.S. ports and captured U.S. ships attempting to trade with France. It hadn't learned from its loss in the American Revolution that you don't interfere with America's ability to buy and sell.

America suffered terrible defeats at the hands of the British. Most notably, in July 1814 British troops approached Washington from the Chesapeake Bay. The British stormed through Bladensburg, Maryland, meeting little resistance, and marched into the lightly defended capital city, where they burned the U.S. Capitol and the White House. The commandant of the Navy Yard, DC's main defense, opted to burn down this key facility rather than let it fall into enemy hands.

The war lasted until 1815. There were some American victories, notably in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 led by general Andrew Jackson. But the war ended without a clear-cut victory for either side. Still the United States gained international recognition as an independent nation. The conflict further helped to cement the union of the various states and forged a new American identity. British victories in the Chesapeake and American battlefields made the case that the United States needed a more professional military. Dolley Madison redefined the role of the First Lady when she rescued important White House artifacts before fleeing the burning of Washington. Francis Scott Key's eye-witness poem "Defense of Fort M'Henry," found enduring importance when it was set to music and renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Often referred to as "the forgotten war," this conflict ended in exhaustion on both sides. It gave Americans a clear idea of how difficult it was to defend such a large territory, yet renewed the spirit of patriotism that has grown to this day.

Click here for interactive timelines and more information about the War of 1812.

Retrace The Historic War of 1812

Torpedo Factory
105 N Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria, VA 22301

Historic Congressional Cemetery
1801 East Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Dumbarton House Museum
2715 Q Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007

AIA DC
421 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004

National Woman's Party at the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument
Sewall-Belmont House Museum
144 Constitution Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
1644 31st Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007

US Court of Appeals
700 Madison Place, NW President's Park,
Washington, DC 20005

Decatur House
1610 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
 

Riversdale House Museum
4811 Riverdale Road
Riverdale Park, MD 20737

Dr. William Beanes Gravesite
14554 Elm Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park
16801 Mount Calvert Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Addison Chapel
5610 Addison Road
Seat Pleasant, MD 20743

Bostwick
3901 48th Street
Bladensburg, MD 20710

Darnall's Chance House Museum
14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Trinity Episcopal Church
14519 Church Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Battle of Bladensburg Visitor Center
4601 Annapolis Road
Bladensburg, MD 20710

Battle of Bladensburg Monument
Bladensburg Balloon Park Historic Site
4100 Baltimore Avenue
Bladensburg, MD 20710

Fort Washington Park
13551 Fort Washington Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744
 

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