District of Columbia Uniforms and Organization in the War of 1812

 District of Columbia Uniforms and Organization in the War of 1812

The District of Columbia was established in 1800 so had a small population. The militia was formed into the 1st Militia Legion of Washington and a squadron of cavalry, and the 2nd Alexandria Legion with a regiment of cavalry. These were then reformed into two brigades with two regiments of each, and a regiment of cavalry. Alexandria later became part of Virginia.

DC infantry were to have hats turned up on the left side and bear fur crest from front to back. Both Dragoons above are based on conjecture. The Alexandria Dragoons had the uniform shown below. The blue dragoon could be accurate for late war. 

District of Columbia Militia Involvement in the War of 1812;

Second Battle of Leonard's Creek; Georgetown Light Artillery six 6 pounders, Georgetown Riflemen, Georgetown Hussars, Columbia Dragoons, Washington Dragoons. 280men

Bladensburg; 

1st Columbian Brigade; 2 regiments of foot, Georgetown Light Artillery six 6 pounders, Washington Artillery six 6 pounders.

2nd Columbian Brigade; 1 regiment of foot, 

Columbian District Cavalry; Alexandria Dragoons 

Note that Osprey's "The Chesapeake Campaigns" lists DC cavalry instead of Virginian. The author lists; Columbian Dragoons, Washington Light Hrose, Georgetown Hussars, Fairfax Light Dragoons, Columbian Hussars and an "unknown" Washtington troop. This is the only source I have seen state this. I can't verify either way, but I would assume that the majority of sources which state the 100 man unit was Virginian are correct. It's also possible that since Alexandria later became part of Virginia, that the "Virginian" cavalry present was actually the DC cavalry. 

The rifle units may have had the left side of their hats turned up as the regular infantry. Pants colours are unknown, but may have been green.

District of Columbia Cavalry 

Almost nothing is known about the uniforms of the District of Columbia Cavalry. The only unit known is the Alexandria dragoons. Up until 1813, these had all black uniforms with hussar style yellow trim and a round hat. The Alexandria dragoons, about 25 to 40 strong, charged a British detachment in one of the first actions of the Chesapeake Campaign, and were present at Bladensburg. They were attached to the Maryland Cavalry District at the battle. Sources stated that at the battle they may have all been used as messengers. 

Some DC Rifles had all black uniforms, and the Alexandria Dragoons did as well. Its possible that black may have been the common / regulation cavalry uniform colour. 

At left, Alexandria Dragoons 1810-1813 by the Company or Military Historians. They may have still been wearing this uniform in 1814. The DC militia regulations changed in 1814 to have uniforms be more like the regular army uniforms. It's possible none of these changes had taken place by Bladensburg.

Middle, the city of Alexandria commissioned art based on the possible uniform of 1814. 

At right, a Maryland Light Dragoon uniform from the battle of Bladensburg. This is a similar uniform to what is shown in the painting in the middle. As militia were told to make their uniforms more similar to regulars, unit / state distinctions remained (such as the red facings on this tunic).