Moments In Time 8/11/11

MOMENTS IN TIME

The History Channel

• On Aug. 23, 1814, during the war of 1812, first lady Dolley Madison abandoned the couple’s personal belongings to save the full-length portrait of former president George Washington from desecration by vengeful British soldiers. The next night, British troops burned the White House.

• On Aug. 24, 1875, Captain Matthew Webb of Great Britain becomes the first man to successfully swim the English Channel without assistance. Webb reached shore in 21 hours and 45 minutes. In 1883, Webb attempted to swim the Niagara River, and drowned in 10 minutes. His body was...