As the nation commemorates America 250, Historic Congressional Cemetery and the District of Columbia National Guard invite the public to reflect not only on the ideals declared in 1776, but also on the generations of Americans who were later called upon to defend the young republic.

On August 23, please join Historic Congressional Cemetery in collaboration with the District of Columbia National Guard for a Battle of Bladensburg commemoration beginning at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will honor the dozens of D.C. Militia members buried at Congressional Cemetery who fought in the battle

This year marks the 212th anniversary of the Battle of Bladensburg, fought during the War of 1812. The battle was the first in a series of major engagements between American and British forces during the Chesapeake Campaign of 1814. It resulted in a decisive British victory and an embarrassing defeat for the United States, clearing the way for British troops to enter Washington and burn several of the nation’s most important public buildings.

Although the retreat derisively remembered as the “Bladensburg Races” remains an infamous moment in American military history, it was also a defeat from which the United States qu

ickly learned. Only several weeks later, American forces successfully defended Baltimore and repelled the British advance at Fort McHenry.

The Battle of Bladensburg remains embedded in the history and identity of the District of Columbia National Guard. Citizen-soldiers serving in the 1st and 2nd District of Columbia Militia Regiments helped defend the capital. They were artisans, shopkeepers, printers, teamsters, dock workers, lawyers, clerks, teachers, and doctors who served before, during, and after the events of August 24, 1814. Dozens of these individuals are interred at Historic Congressional Cemetery.

The program will feature remarks from Congressional Cemetery and the DC National Guard, followed by a wreath laying at the grave of Private Andrew Coyle.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to participate in a guided tour highlighting veterans of the Battle of Bladensburg and the War of 1812 who are buried at Congressional Cemetery. Participants will also help place commemorative flags at their gravesites.

The District of Columbia National Guard will display a selection of historical artifacts in the cemetery chapel for attendees to view.

RSVP

The ceremony is free to attend, but we ask that guests please RSVP in advance.

The event will take place rain or shine. Smoking is prohibited, and dogs may not attend unless they are service animals.

We highly recommend dressing for the weather and wearing appropriate footwear because of the cemetery’s uneven ground.

Getting Here

We strongly encourage visitors to use public transportation. The closest Metro station is Stadium-Armory, served by the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines.

RSVP

The ceremony is free to attend but we ask that you please RSVP here.

The event is rain or shine. Smoking is prohibited and dogs are not allowed to attend the event unless they are a service animal.

We highly recommend dressing for the elements. Please also wear appropriate footwear due to the uneven ground in the cemetery.