Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner.  Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, saw the enormous flag flying over Ft. McHenry in the Baltimore Harbor after a night of defending the fort from the British.  This battle took place on September 14, 1814 as part of the War of 1812. He was so moved by the sight, that he later penned the words to what would our country's National Anthem.

The Star-Spangled Banner is now on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.  The anthem is regularly performed at the beginning of sporting events and has been performed by countless artists such as Taylor Swift, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, Beyonce and Mariah Carey to name a few.

Please see the links below to learn more about the flag's amazing journey.

National Museum of American History

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War of 1812 Interactive Maps

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