In 1814, during the War of 1812, British Admiral Cockburn (yes, that was his name) was determined to embarrass the Americans by attacking their capital. He was also interested in revenge for the sack of York in Canada. He brushed aside a force of militiamen (with President Madison witnessing in disgust) and entered the capital. His men proceeded to set fire to all the important buildings. Furniture was piled up in both chambers of the capitol building leaving the Senate chamber unusable until 1819. Thankfully, the Declaration of Independence had been removed earlier. The British also set fire to the Treasury building (although the Brits were disappointed that no money was found. The President’s House (that’s what the building was called before Teddy Roosevelt made White House official) was badly burned. A rainstorm prevented more damage. When it was repaired, the fire scarred green walls were repainted white. It was not until 1817 that Pres. Monroe moved in. The British soldiers enjoyed the 40 guest meal on the table and stole souvenirs like Madison’s medicine chest. However, Dolley Madison was able to save a full length portrait of Washington.
the Capitol building before it was burned by the British – Library of Congress
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