There were many outrageous and odd things that happend before, during, and after the battle.
One odd aspect of the battle was that marines and sailors of each side fought each other - but on dry land!
Another oddity is that, though about 10,000 people were involved in the battle, less than 200 were actually killed, and half of those died only of heat stroke!
A significant aspect of the battle is that it was the first time (and only?) that the Commander-in-Chief, President Madison, was present during the battle. Many of his cabinet members were also there.
It had been quite dry but that night was a tremendous rainstorm as the public buildings of Washington DC were set afire.
In general, the War of 1812 was birth to may icons of Americana; our National Anthem, Dolly Madison, "Uncle Sam", "Don't Give Up the Ship", "We Have Met the Enemy and They are Ours", the burning of Washington, the Battle of New Orleans, "Old Ironsides", and more.
It was a short conflict, and it cost us fewer lives than any other war (good!), but it should not be dismissed or forgotten.
Main reasons why the Bladensburg Battle is important
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