News & Press Releases

August 1814: A Town Occupied “Johnny Bull” Revisits Alexandria

Fairfax, VA (August 3, 2010) – On August 29, 1814, the town of Alexandria had little choice but to surrender to the British naval force.  To spare the town, Alexandrians paid a ransom of tobacco, flour, cotton, and sugar to the invaders. 

On Saturday, August 28, 2010 learn more about this controversial and sometimes overlooked event in the history of Alexandria and the United States at Carlyle House Historic Park from noon to 4 p.m..  To commemorate the anniversary of this infamous day in our Nations history, the Carlyle House will recreate the occupation of Alexandria by His Royal Majesty’s naval forces.  Historic interpreters attired as British Tars, Royal Marines, and Alexandria civilians will entertain your questions about life during the war.  Parked out front of the museum, visitors and families can explore the Schooner Ship Lion, a scale replica of a War of 1812 Privateer Ship.  Sailorswill demonstrate rigging, signal flags and discuss life on the sea.

Free admission to the grounds; Museum tour admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-12.   Please contact Carlyle House for information at 703-549-2997 or check our web site at www.nvrpa.org.