apr 27, 1813 - Battle of York and the burning of Washington D.C.

Description:

York (present-day Toronto) was a site in a strategic location, where weapons and gunpowder were stored. It also had a massive ship; the HMS Sir Isacc Brock under construction. The Americans thought that control of the ship meant control of the great lakes. Approximately 1700 American troops invaded the fort and won the battle, but as the British were retreating, they set off an explosion that burnt the ship and blew up much of the fort, resulting in many deaths on both sides. Then on August 24th, 1814, the British burnt down the white house, as a retaliation for their loss of York. The fires were put out the next day, and only one of the government buildings were standing.