Our National Anthem
The Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem, is a beautiful song written by Francis Scott Key the day after the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor by British forces during the War of 1812. This assault followed the capture and burning of Washington, DC by the British. Clearly, our nation was in peril. Key was being held prisoner aboard the British ship Minden when the attack began. Key knew losing Fort McHenry and Baltimore would be disastrous for America and wondered if this land of the free and home of the brave could survive the war with England.
Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses Francis Scott Key and the the Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem. Discover the inspiration behind the song and why it still matters today.
Images Courtesy of: Yale University Art Gallery, Library of Congress, Naval History and Heritage Command, The Walters Art Museum, Maryland Center for History and Culture, Wikimedia.
One of the most beautiful flags from our nation’s founding era is the famous “Betsy Ross” flag with thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen stars in a field of blue. Called by many the first national flag of the United States, it was created by Betsy Ross in the city of Philadelphia in 1776.