USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -First Lady Dolley Madison is often credited with saving the portrait of George Washington and other White House treasures when the British attacked the Capitol in 1814.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -At the Department of State, clerks John Graham, Stephen Pleasanton, and Josias King took up the task of saving the valuable archives in the department’s custody. The clerks bought coarse linens to make bags into which they stuffed the archives and then loaded the bags onto carts.

Detailed explanation-4: -During the War of 1812, First Lady Dolley Madison famously saved the portrait from near-certain demise. Before vacating the premises on August 24, 1814, Mrs. Madison ordered that official papers and the Washington portrait should be saved from British hands.

Detailed explanation-5: -On this day in 1814, first lady Dolley Madison saves a portrait of George Washington from being looted by British troops during the War of 1812.