Delaying Tactic - Lorton, VA - Battlefields on Waymarking.com

Delaying Tactics Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail-
The Battle of the White House Gun Battery, September 1-5, 1814, was the first military action in the region after the British attack on Washington. Named for a nearby white house, the battery was located at today’s Fort Belvoir.

It was hastily erected in a futile attempt to impede the British warships as they withdrew down the Potomac after occupying Alexandria. The battery was on a bluff above a narrow deed channel in the river, which forced the British squadron to hug the Virginia shore.

After three days of nearly constant exchange of fire, Americans evacuated the battery, and the British continued down the river.

"The battery erected at the white house under the command of Com. (David) Porter, promises to embarrass, if not impede the progress of the enemy down the day”
–Secretary of the State James Monroe to Commodore John Rodgers, September 2, 1814

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Americans set ships ablaze and sent them to impede the British withdrawing down the Potomac.

Captain David Porter, Jr., who commanded the battery at the White House, was among American officials meeting near Alexandria to plan ways to harass the enemy.

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Nearby places to explore the historic Potomac River:
• Mason Neck State Park - Hike the trails located a short distance south of the White House gun battery site.
• Leesylvania State Park - Launch a boat or paddlecraft to explore a stretch of Potomac where the British and Americans fought in 1814.
• Mount Vernon - Visit George Washington’s home and view the Potomac where the British squadron assembled before descending the river.

Name of Battle: Battle of the White House Gun Battery Name of War: War of 1812 Date(s) of Battle (Beginning): 09/01/1814 Entrance Fee: Not Listed Parking: Not Listed Date of Battle (End): Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Post a photo of you in front of a sign or marker posted at the site of the battle (or some other way to indicate you have personally visited the site.

In addition it is encouraged to take a few photos of the surrounding area and interesting features at the site.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   09/19/2023 Don.Morfe visited it