Other Property Burned by British in Washington, DC

Back on August 4th, I wrote about the USS New York, a frigate burned at Washington Navy Yard when the Brtitish captured the city in 1814. I'd always heard of the White House and other public buildings being destroyed, but hadn't heard of any warships.

From Wikipedia.

Before retreating from the city, American forces set fire to the Washington Navy Yard, founded by President Thomas Jefferson, to prevent capture of stores and ammunition. Also destroyed were the 44-gun frigate USS Columbia and the 18-gun USS Argus, both ships were nearing completion. There was no mention of the USS New York.

Plus, the USS Argus must have been named after the USS Argus captured in British waters the preceding year. (I just wrote about that ship.)

The only structures escaping destruction in the yard was the Latrobe Gate, Quarters A and Quarters B. Also spared were the Marine Barracks and Commandant's House. Their survival was attributed to the British respect for the Marine conduct at the Battle of Bladensburg.

More Than I Thought. --Brock-Perry