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HISTORY

August 27, 1814
Ft. Washington Burned

At 8PM, Capt. Samuel Dyson, having only 49 men under his command, ordered the spiking of the fort's guns and had the installation blown up. This action occurred after only a short bombardment by the British Fleet and allowed Alexandria Virginia to be taken with a shot being fired from the fort.

Dyson claimed he was under orders from Gen. Winder to take that action. Dyson was later court-martialed, found guilty and dismissed from the service.