Menu
Log in
Log in


M&B Lecture Series (All members invited) - 6:30p

  • 26 Jan 2022
  • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Ballroom

Host - Larry Landgraff

“ALEXANDRIA AND THE WAR OF 1812

A LIVE Presentation by TED PULLIAM

6:30 PM Wednesday, January 26, 2022

IN THE ODBC BALLROOM

Alexandria and the War of 1812 relates what Alexandrians did during one of America’s least remembered wars. When people think of that war, they usually recall the burning of Washington, the British attack on Baltimore and the Star-Spangled Banner, and maybe Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans.  Alexandria, however, also had a role to play in that war.

The United States went to war with Great Britain on June 18, 1812, upon passage of a Declaration of War by the Congress.

Alexandrians had close trading ties to Great Britain, and many opposed the war. Not long after the war commenced, Alexandrians began to feel the economic effect of a British blockade of the Chesapeake Bay.

When the British army burned Washington, the British navy sailed up the Potomac and sacked Alexandria, and Alexandrians fought back as the ships and men who had plundered their town began their trip back down the Potomac.  This is a story that involves incompetence, cowardice, daring, and bravery, and one of its most dramatic acts took place within a stone’s throw of where the talk will be given.

Ted Pulliam’s historical writings have appeared in the Legal Times of Washington, WWII History magazine, American History magazine, the Washington Post, and other publications.  He is the author of Historic Alexandria: An Illustrated History published by the City of Alexandria.  It tells the story of Alexandria from the days of the earliest Indians to 2011. 

He is a member of the Alexandria Archaeology Commission and past member of the Alexandria Waterfront Commission.  He currently is on a city committee developing a trail along the waterfront that highlights significant events in Alexandria’s African American history.  He and his wife, Molly, live in Del Ray.

After the presentation, Ted will engage in a short Q&A session.


Old Dominion Boat Club | 0 Prince Street | Alexandria, Virginia 22314 | (703) 836-1900
 Having an issue or would like to make a suggestion?  Contact the ODBC Webmasters    |   Copyright 2024
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software