Burning of Washington Capitol dome to match the diameter of 86 ft. With the reconstruction of the public buildings in Washington, the value of land in the area increased dramatically, paving the way for the expansion of the city that developed in the years leading up to the American Civil War. Burning of Washington The Burning of Washington was a British invasion of Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, during the War of 1812. On August 24, 1814, after defeating the Americans at the Battle of Bladensburg, a British force led by Major General Robert Ross burned down buildings including the
Blucher (1814 ship) Blucher (1814 ship) Blucher was launched at Boston in 1809 under another name. The British captured her around 1814 and new owners renamed her. She traded with India and South East Asia under a license from the British East India Company until she wrecked in 1818. Laing & Co. purchased her as a prize. She first appeared in "Lloyd's Register" in 1814 with Kennedy, master, Laing & Co., owners, and trade London–Newfoundland. The next year Fullerton replaced Kennedy as master. In 1816 her master changed from Fullerton to C. Kerr, her owner was Goldie & Co., and her trade was