Bladensburg, Battle of

During the of 1812, unsuccessful American attempt to check the British advance on Washington 24 August 1814. The British entered Washington later the same day.

As the British under General Robert Ross advanced upon Washington, an American force under General William H Winder took up a position protecting the only bridge over the River Anacostia that gave access to the city. The bridge was taken in a swift attack, and once the British got their main force across the river they launched a devastating attack on the main American position, defeating them utterly.