Erected in 1826 to the memory of Major General Robert Ross who fought in the American War of Independence and Europe. The monument was erected by his regiment to celebrate a victory over the American forces at Bladensburg. A smaller version of this obelisk can be found over General Ross's grave in Halifax, Nova Scotia. General Ross was regarded as one of the great heroes of the war of 1812-14 between the new United States and British forces based in Canada. The defeat of the American militia at Bladensburg in August 1814 left the way open for the Redcoats to march into Washington and General Ross and his officers were able to dine on the "Victory Feast" that has been prepared for the President and his cabinet. He treated the inhabitants very humanely and even apologised for the burning of the library by his troops.