FRANCIS SCOTT KEY: EYEWITNESS TO THE BATTLE OF FORT MCHENRY
Baltimore, Maryland (JFK+50) On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key* wrote a poem about the British attack on Fort McHenry** in Baltimore Harbor after he witnessed the battle from a truce ship positioned on the Patapsco River.
FSK was inspired by the sight of the large United States flag flying over Fort McHenry which was illuminated by "the rockets red glare and the bombs flying in air."
His poem, titled "The Defence of Ft. McHenry," was published on September 20, 1814. It was later set to music and was named "The Star Spangled Banner." In 1931, it became "Our National Anthem."
JFK+50 NOTE
Fort McHenry was named in honor of James McHenry who was a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress, a signer of the U.S. Constitution & Secretary of War.
*Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) was born in Frederick County, MD & studied at St. John's College in Annapolis. FSK served as US District Attorney 1833-1844.
**Fort McHenry is located on Locust Point in Baltimore, MD & today is operated by the National Park Service. It was designed by the French & built around 1800.
SOURCE
"Star Spangled Banner Celebrates 200th Birthday," JFK+50, September 13, 2014, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/
