On September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the words to what would become The Star Spangled Banner. He was an attorney, and he had gone out to a British ship just outside Baltimore harbor to negotiate the release of an American prisoner. A land and sea battle broke out while he was with the British, and Key and Dr. Beanes, the soon-to-be-released prisoner, had to remain throughout the fighting. During the battle, the two men worried about the fate of their nation. At daybreak, Key could see the U.S. flag was still flying over Fort McHenry, and his experience was described 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.” For the full story, click here.
