Flight of the Madisons: Bladensburg Battlefield
Madison flees with a bundle of papers in this British satirical broadside "The Fall of Washington--or Maddy in full flight" S.W. Fores, 1814.
On August 24, 1814 the British routed the American militia forces at the Bladensburg Battlefield, and James Madison was there. Major General Robert Ross and his army, hardened veterans of the Duke of Wellington's campaigns during the Peninsular War of 1808-1814, completely outmatched General William Winder and the ill-equipped and inexperienced American militia. Bladensburg Waterfront Park maintains the historic site where the British crossed a bridge over the Eastern branch of the Anacostia River to begin the battle that ended in a decisive American defeat.
- Credit
- Library of Congress
