USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -According to the White House Historical Society and Dolley’s personal letters, President James Madison had left the White House on August 22 to meet with his generals on the battlefield, just as British troops threatened to enter the capitol.

Detailed explanation-2: -The White House was set on fire twice since the founding of the United States in 1776. The first fire occurred during the War of 1812; James Madison was the elected president at the time. The second fire occurred in 1929; Herbert Hoover was in office then.

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.

Detailed explanation-5: -President James Madison and his wife, Dolley, were aware of the threat, and they made prearranged plans to escape the city if the British attacked.