Title: The burning of the White House
Description: It's unimaginable today, even for a generation that saw the Twin Towers fall and the Pentagon attacked. It's unimaginable because in 1814 enemies didn't fly overhead, they marched through the streets; and for 26 hours in August, the British enemy marched through Washington, D.C. and set fire to government buildings, including the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Relying on first-hand accounts, historian Jane Hampton Cook weaves together several different narratives to create a vivid, multidimensional account of the burning of Washington, including the escalation that led to it and the immediate aftermath. From James and Dolley Madison to the British admiral who ordered the White House set aflame, historical figures are brought to life through their experience of this unprecedented attack.
Subjects: Campaigns, HISTORY / Military / War of 1812, HISTORY / Military / United States, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Presidents & Heads of State, History, White House (Washington, D.C.), HISTORY / United States / 19th Century, Madison, james, 1751-1836, Madison, dolley, 1768-1849, Washington (d.c.), history, United states, history, war of 1812, campaigns
Places: United States, Washington (D.C.)
People: Dolley Madison (1768-1849), James Madison (1751-1836)
Time periods: Capture by the British, 1814, 19th century, War of 1812