This Day in History: The White House is set on fire

WASHINGTON (WHSV) – On this day in the year 1814, British troops set fire to the White House.

It was during the War of 1812. The burning was in retaliation for an attack on the city of New York in British-controlled Ontario in June of 1813.

By the time the British arrived, President James Madison and first lady Dolley had already fled to safety in Maryland. Solider allegedly helped themselves to a meal before ransacking the presidential mansion and setting it ablaze.