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• Introduction: Where Oh Where Should the Capital Be?

  So much about the new United States was new—a democracy in a world full of monarchies, an elected president in...

• Reflections After the Fire

  This shaving mirror, one of a pair, has a remarkable history. It not only reflected the face of President James...

• Foreword; White House History (Number 35)

  This number of White House History recalls the burning of the White House, which took place in 1814, two hundred years...

• Rescue of the Papers of State During the Burning of Washington

  In August 1814, British forces occupying the Chesapeake Bay began to sail up the Patuxent River in Maryland. Fearing an attack...

• Saving History

  The events leading up to the burning of the White House during the War of 1812 have been well chronicled. Eyewitness...

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  Photo A View of the Capitol After the Conflagration of the 24th August 1814, engraved by William Strickland (White House History 35)

  A View of the Capitol After the Conflagration of the 24th August 1814, engraved by William Strickland after a watercolor by...

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  Photo British column led by Major General Robert Ross (White House History 35)

  The British column was led by Major General Robert Ross from Benedict, Maryland, into the City of Washington where they...

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  Photo The Declaration of Independence enshrined in the National Archives (White House History 35)

  In the years before it was enshrined in the Archives, the Declaration of Independence was moved many times. In the...

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  Photo The Monroes' Legacy: Silver Wine Coolers

  Four silver wine coolers purchased in Paris while President Monroe lived in France serving as a diplomat were sold to...

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  Photo A map of Major General Robert Ross’s route to burn Washington, 1818 (White House History 35)

  The British column was led by Major General Robert Ross from Benedict, Maryland, into the City of Washington where they...

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  Photo Engraving of the White House

  This aquatint engraving by William Strickland shows the White House in the aftermath of being burned by the British on...

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  Photo Clerk Stephen Pleasanton (White House History 35)

  Clerk Stephen Pleasanton helped to save the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights when the British were marching...