Sketch of the Action fought near Bladensburg
Library of Congress
War of 1812
Historical Map
Battle of Bladensburg
Bladensburg Historic Map
Historical map of the Battle of Bladensburg
The Battle of Bladensburg opened the road for the British Army to sack and burn Washington, D.C. American militia broke quickly under fire from the British veterans, many of whom had just come from fighting Napoleon in Europe. Only a desperate rear-guard action prevented the capture of the whole American force.
Learn More: The Battle of Bladensburg
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