George Washington DID NOT live in the White House. John Adams did ... as did Jefferson in 1801. But during the War of 1812, it was James Madison who had to be evacuated from the Capitol. Try this for trivia -- Madison was a President who was on the front lines! The Battle of Bladensburg is commonly viewed as a rout of American troops. The battle was referred to at the time as the "Bladensburg Races," after men were seen dropping their weapons and running from the field of battle. The Americans lost, and the British entered the Capitol unopposed. Monroe, as Secretary of State, was also in the battle. You might consider George Washington to also be a President who hit the front lines in the Whiskey Rebellion, but he got off his horse 80 miles before contact.
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