USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Fort McHenry, a large star fortress built in 1800, guards Baltimore’s inner harbor at a bend in the Patapsco River.

Detailed explanation-2: -After a 25-hour bombardment of Fort McHenry, they failed to penetrate Baltimore’s defenses and withdrew. Francis Scott Key, witnessing the bombardment and seeing a huge 30x42-foot American flag over the garrison, was moved to write four stanzas of lyrics to a popular tune of the day.

Detailed explanation-3: -On September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key witnessed the British defeat at the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The poem he wrote about the event eventually became the national anthem of the United States, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Detailed explanation-4: -On September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a huge American flag to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812. The sight of those “broad stripes and bright stars” inspired Francis Scott Key to write a song that eventually became the United States national anthem.

Detailed explanation-5: -On September 14, 1814, the Battle of Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The University of Michigan’s Mark Clague corrects some common myths about our national anthem.