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
USS Wasp (1814) She remained at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, until late spring awaiting sailing orders and, upon receipt of them, put to sea on 1 May 1814 for a war cruise to the western approaches to the English Channel. "Wasp" captured her first vessel, the 207-ton barque "Neptune", on 2 June 1814, embarked her crew as prisoners, and burned the prize at sea. On 13 June 1814, she took "William", a 91-ton brig, and burned her as well. "Wasp" encountered the 131-ton armed brig "Pallas" on 18 June 1814, captured her, apparently without resistance, and scuttled her. Her fourth victim, 171-ton galiot "Henrietta",