USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Although the burning of Washington, D.C. occurred long after George Washington’s death, the first president played an important role. Dolley Madison chose to have his portrait rescued from the White House just before the building went up in flames.

Detailed explanation-2: -President James Madison, members of his government, and the military fled the city in the wake of the British victory at the Battle of Bladensburg. They found refuge for the night in Brookeville, a small town in Montgomery County, Maryland, which is known today as the “United States’ Capital for a Day."

Detailed explanation-3: -Unable to find a room at Minor’s Hill when he was fleeing while Washington was burning, James Madison stayed at Salona on the night of August 24, 1814. Today it is a privately-owned home in McLean, Virginia.

Detailed explanation-4: -The British torched major rooms in the Capitol, which then housed the Library of Congress, as well as the House, Senate and Supreme Court. The White House, the navy yard and several American warships were also burned; however, most private property was spared.