What is the true story behind The Star-Spangled Banner?
On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key pens a poem which is later set to music and in 1931 becomes America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The poem, originally titled “The Defence of Fort M’Henry,” was written after Key witnessed the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812.
Why was the author of The Star-Spangled Banner aboard a ship when he wrote the words?
Attorney Francis Scott Key witnessed the twenty-five hour bombardment of Fort McHenry from a British troopship anchored some four miles away. He had boarded the ship to negotiate the release of an American civilian imprisoned by the British, and had been detained aboard as the bombardment began.
What is Francis Scott Key best known for?
Francis Scott Key, (born August 1, 1779, Frederick county, Maryland, U.S.—died January 11, 1843, Baltimore), American lawyer, best known as the author of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Was Francis Scott Key a prisoner when he wrote The Star-Spangled Banner?
Myth #1: Francis Scott Key was held prisoner aboard a British ship during the bombardment of Baltimore. Correction: Key was aboard his own American truce ship during the battle. Key’s mission was a success. During their talks, and then upon the release of the doctor, Key and Beanes were moved from the H.M.S.
Did Francis Scott Key own slaves?
Key was a devout Episcopalian. Key owned slaves from 1800, during which time abolitionists ridiculed his words, claiming that America was more like the “Land of the Free and Home of the Oppressed”. As District Attorney, he suppressed abolitionists and did not support an immediate end to slavery.
What did the 15 stars on the flag represent?
The 15-star flag would last for 23 years and five presidents would serve under it. This flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner,” our national anthem, after Key saw the flag continue to fly over Fort McHenry following a British bombardment during the War of 1812.
How did Francis Scott Key wrote the national anthem?
Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” and its initial verse on the back side of a letter while watching the large American flag waving over the fort that morning. Back in Baltimore, he continued working until he had completed four verses (only one of which is commonly known today).
What was the name of the ship Francis Scott Key was on?
Tonnant
On September 7, 1814, Key, accompanied by American prisoner-of-exchange officer John Skinner, boarded the Tonnant, flagship of the British fleet, where Beanes was being held.
What was the symbolic significance of the American flag when it was raised over Fort McHenry?
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.
Was Francis Scott Key on a boat?
Francis Scott Key stood aboard the deck of an American truce ship on September 14, 1814 and watched the raising of Fort McHenry’s large garrison flag over the ramparts. …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdP9UL_KfZg