Featuring kiosks, geocaching, and interpretive markers, the National Park Service is putting together a “Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.” The work behind the effort is massive, covering hundreds of miles and dozens of sites along much of Maryland’s western shore.
Weary regional planners and funders no doubt breathed a sigh of relief when they turned their attention to Virginia. Although significant events such as the “Battle of the White House” (present day Fort Belvoir) took place in the Old Dominion, tens of thousands from the commonwealth served their country, and the final two of the “Virginia Dynasty” (Madison and Monroe) played their key parts, the focus on the west side of the Potomac is not as sharp as in the Old Line State.
Of course, let’s not forget what happened to a certain seaport town just south of Washington. We’re talking the “Surrender of Alexandria,” an event that has been largely forgotten, even in the city itself.
The story began in the summer of 1814. The British leadership team of Vice Admiral Cochrane and Rear Admiral Cockburn turned their attention to the Chesapeake campaign. Glory and promotion awaited if they could capture Baltimore and Washington. Vengeance also fueled their desires, the knowledge that American forces had reportedly burned and looted York (Toronto) in April 1813.
In mid-August, Cockburn’s fleet and General Ross’s Army warmed up by terrorizing Maryland towns and communities along the Patuxent River. Captain James Gordon, tasked with a diversionary feint, sailed up the Potomac River towards Washington. His main concern was steering clear of the Kettle Bottom Shoals and encountering resistance at Fort Warburton (Fort Washington), the only defense of Washington and Alexandria in that direction. The fort, now a National Park site, lay on the Maryland side, about a half dozen miles south of Alexandria.
Secretary of War Armstrong, who believed the entire attack on Washington was a ruse for Baltimore, sent Captain Samuel T. Dyson to take command of the garrison and its dozen guns. Dyson, who would be court-martialed and dismissed, had been told to demolish the fort if overwhelmed by Gordon’s forces. He cut and ran after the first boom.
With Washington still smoldering, Alexandrians must have been terrified. On August 27, Gordon’s seven battle ships sailed in to Alexandria untouched. Equipped with only harsh language, Mayor Simms had no choice but to surrender. In exchange for a week-long open house on all the city’s goods, the British spared the town.
After taking all the cotton, flour, and tobacco they could pile on board, Gordon’s men held up their end of the bargain. Except for a bruised ego and tattered reputation for a few months, the town remained intact. They eventually got over the national lampooning, and a Congressional Inquiry cleared them.
Alexandria’s early history is a proud one filled with pioneers, patriots, merchants and brave soldiers. The start of the 19th Century, however, was not as kind to the seaport city. In succession, the citizens mourned Washington’s passing, dealt with their losses in the War of 1812, and lived through a post-war depression.
Pride and dignity were also lost during the war, but something more important was gained. The historic district contains one of the highest number of 18th Century homes and structures. Had the British bombed and ransacked the town, Alexandria might have lost landmark beauties like the Carlyle House and the Fitzgerald Warehouse (Starbucks) at the corner of King and S. Union.
We’ll close with an intriguing irony. Although there are no markers or plaques about the War of 1812 in Alexandria, there is one across the river at the northern edge of Oxon Hill Park. For those of you not familiar with this part of Washington, please note this marker lies in the state of Maryland.
Sources:
1812: The Navy’s War, George C. Daughan
The Burning of Washington, Anthony Pitch
A Travel Guide to The War of 1812, Ralph E. Eshelman
Maritime Alexandria, Donald G. Shomette
Hidden History of Alexandria, D.C., Michael Lee Pope
War of 1812 Bicentennial, Historic Alexandra website.
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