 The Market Master's House is evidence of that role.A seaport during the colonial period, Bladensburg is best remembered for the Battle of Bladensburg (1814) during the War of 1812, notable because it was the only battle in American history in which a sitting president (James Madison) rode into battle.America's eventual defeat, called "the greatest disgrace ever dealt to American arms", cleared the way for the burning of Washington by [[United Kingdom|British]Canadian] troops.