Delaying Tactic - Lorton, VA
Posted by: Don.Morfe
N 38° 38.546 W 077° 12.025
18S E 308496 N 4279395
The marker is located at 7301 High Point Road in Mason Neck State Park near the Picnic Area, Lorton, VA USA 22079
Waymark Code: WM18RKJ
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 09/18/2023
Views: 0
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
(captions)
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.
(sidebar)
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
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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.