For the first two years of the War of 1812 (1812–1815), the British had been preoccupied with the war against
Raiding … See more

Although Major General Ross commanded the British troops in Chesapeake Bay, the point of attack was to be decided by Vice Admiral Cochrane, who had concentrated four ships of the line, twenty frigates and sloops of war and … See more

Winder now had at least 1,000 regulars from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps, plus about 7,000 less than dependable militia and volunteers from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Official rep… See more

Although the British had suffered heavier casualties than the U.S. (many inflicted by Barney's guns), they had completely routed the defenders. British casualties were 64 dead and 185 wounded. Some of the British dead "died … See more

The hasty and disorganized U.S. retreat led to the battle becoming known as the "Bladensburg Races" from an 1816 poem. The battle was termed "the greatest disgrace ever dealt to American arms" and "the most h… See more

Black sailors fought as part of the American force at Bladensburg, many as members of Commodore Joshua Barney's naval flotilla. This force provided crucial artillery support during the battle. One of the best accounts is that of … See more