What significant event occurred at the Library of Congress in 1812?

The significant event that occurred at the Library of Congress in 1812 was the burning of the library by British troops during the War of 1812. After the capture of Washington, D.C., the British set fire to several public buildings, including the Capitol, where the Library of Congress was housed at the time. This fire resulted in the loss of a substantial collection of books and materials. The destruction emphasized the vulnerability of national institutions during wartime and ultimately led to efforts to rebuild and expand the library with a more comprehensive collection that would serve future generations. This event is a key moment in the history of the Library of Congress, marking the beginning of its transformation into the largest library in the world.