Washington, D.C. tornado and fires during War of 1812

On August 25, 1814, during the War of 1812, a significant weather event occurred in Washington, D.C., following a British military attack on the capital. British forces had entered the city, setting fire to several major public buildings, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Treasury, and the Library of Congress.

During the occupation, British soldiers reportedly suffered casualties when an attempt to dispose of 130 barrels of American gunpowder in a well resulted in a massive explosion. On the afternoon of August 25, a powerful tornado struck the area, causing widespread destruction by collapsing buildings, uprooting trees, and damaging British artillery. This was followed by heavy rainfall that helped extinguish the fires spreading through the city. While historical interpretations of the storm's impact vary, the event effectively halted the British advance and forced a withdrawal.