USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -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. Myth #1: Francis Scott Key was held prisoner aboard a British ship during the bombardment of Baltimore.

Detailed explanation-2: -Writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” Francis Scott Key, a successful 35-year old lawyer and amateur poet, witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry from an American ship anchored about eight miles away in the Patapsco River. A Maryland native, Key had a successful law practice in the District of Columbia.

Detailed explanation-3: -To fully grasp the imagery of the poem and sentiment of our cherished symbol, one must read the whole poem. That same flag Francis Scott Key saw over Fort McHenry, with its 15 stripes and 15 stars, still hangs today in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

Detailed explanation-4: -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-5: -Key was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry at daybreak, as reflected in the now-famous words of the “Star-Spangled Banner”: “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”