On August 24, IS14, an English force of about 5000 men under General Ross and Admiral Cock burn defeated an American militia force of about 7000 at Bladensburg (q.v.), and, advancing to 'Washington, set fire to the Capitol. the Presi dent's house. and other public buildings, all of which, however, were replaced within the next few years.
During the Civil War Washington was repeat edly threatened by Confederate armies, notably in July. 1864, when General Early, after defeat ing Gen. Lew Wallace at Sionocacy, only thirty miles away, advanced to within a few miles of the city. Early in 1861 work was begun on a system of fortifications which when finished con sisted of "68 inclosed forts and batteries, having an aggregate perimeter of about 14 miles and emplacements of about 1120 guns: of 93 un armed batteries, having 401 emplacements; and of 20 miles of infantry trenches." These works have been since unoccupied with the exception of Fort Slyer (q.v.) on Arlington Heights.
Throughout the war Washington was a vast depot of military supplies; long trains of army wagons were almost constantly passing through its streets; immense hospitals for the sick and wounded were erected, and many churches, public institutions, and the Capitol itself, were at times given up to this service. During the period 1861-65, however, much work was done on the public buildings. On Slay 23 and 24, 1865, Washington was the scene of the greatest mili tary display ever witnessed in America, when the Federal veterans of the war were reviewed by President Andrew Johnson.
With the year IS71 began what has been called the Renaissance of 'Washington. Under the lead of Alexander R. Shepherd, Go•erno• of the District, vast improvements were effected throughout the city: pavements were constructed, a sewage system devised, shade trees set out, grades equalized, parks beautified, and a new system of water supply provided. In conse quence of the expense entailed by this reconstruc tion of the city„ which was carried on with great waste, arising in a great measure from corrup tion, the territorial debt increased from .83.
000,00u in 1871 to 820,000,000 in 1875: and largely on this acmunt. Congress (IS74) ehanged the government. Georgetown, which had been setth.d as early is 1695, hail been laid out as a town in 1751, and had been incorporated in 1789, was annexed to Washington in 1878, its charter having been withdrawn in 1871.
Buittocit.gtv. Todd, The Story of Washing ton (New York. 185!1): The Seat of Gor'rnnedt of the Stales; .1 Review of the Discussions on the Si le ant! Plans of the ra Ci t y (W as,hitOon, 1851) : Porter. The ('ill/ of Washington (11altintow, 1555) ; Crew, Crnlonain/ of the ('ill/ of Washington ( Washingt on, 1592) ; l2rror•tls of I he Col u m bian it tw.ieu Soric I y (lb., 18J7) ; SiackaH, Early bays of Washington (i%. 1N97-1903) nrya nib/logo/ph!, of I he Dist Ho of Col ymbin 1900 ) ; Weishrmgtrn, the Co yi Ci I y (Philadelphia. 19021: Cox, Cefrbra I ion of the One. Mt mired h .1 nnirersary of Washington. 18004900 (\\•ashiugtnn, 1901).