Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Plundered!
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
On August 29, 1814, Alexandria surrendered to the British forces. These terms of surrender protected American homes but gave the enemy flour, cotton, tobacco, and other goods as well as military supplies and weapons. On September 3, the occupiers sailed away in seven British vessels and 21 American merchant ships, including some raised from the river bottom where Alexandrians had sunk them to keep them from the enemy.
"We yielded to superior power. Our weakness has been our crime."
Letter signed by citizens of Alexandria, supporting the decision to surrender
British Demands
In exchange for sparing people and property, the British would take Alexandria's ships, weapons, and goods meant for export. The Alexandria Common Council adopted a resolution accepting the demands.
[Sidebar:]
In the summer of 1814 the United States had been at war with Great Britain for two years. Battlefronts had erupted from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. On August 24, following their victory over the Americans at the Battle of Bladensburg, Maryland, British troops marched on Washington with devastating results.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 29, 1814.
Location. 38° 48.276′ N, 77° 2.382′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. Marker can be reached from the intersection of King Street and Strand Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7 King Street, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United States Naval Torpedo Station (Building Two) (within shouting distance of this marker); Torpedo Factory Art Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexandria Archaeology Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); River Ferries (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Torpedo Factory Art Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Waterfront Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Foot of King Street (within shouting distance of this marker); John Fitzgerald (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Library of Congress
3. Johnny Bull and the Alexandrians
“The citizens of Alexandria, Virginia, are ridiculed in this scene for their lack of serious resistance against the British seizure of the city in 1814. At left two frightened gentlemen kneel with hands folded, pleading, ‘Pray Mr. Bull don't be too hard with us -- You know we were always friendly, even in the time of our Embargo!’ In the center stands a bull in English seaman's clothes, holding out a long list of ‘Terms of Capitulation’ to the Alexandrians. He says, ‘I must have all your Flour -- All your Tobacco -- All your Provisions -- All your Ships -- All your Merchandize -- every thing except your Porter and Perry -- keep them out of my sight, I've had enough of them already.’ His allusion is to American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and Captain David Porter. At right, a soldier and sailor carry off spirits, saying: ‘Push on Jack, the yankeys are not all so Cowardly as these Fellows here -- let's make the best of our time.’ and ‘Huzza boys!!! More Rum more Tobacco!’” – Library of Congress
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 300 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 6, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on December 6, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
