Like so many famous songs of yore, "The Star-Spangled Banner" started as a poem, called “The Defence of Fort McHenry.” It was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812.

Fortunately for posterity, he did not call it Mrs. Pickersgill's flag, but referred to a "star-spangled banner." Key wrote quickly that night—in part because he already had a tune in his head ...

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Francis Scott Key may have immortalized this unspoken ... This is the greatness of “The Star Spangled Banner”. It sings Americanism more deeply and more succinctly than any other ode.

This flag, which measured 30 feet by 42 feet, was the original Star-Spangled Banner that inspired the lines of Francis Scott Key’s renowned poem, later to become America’s national anthem.

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a 560- mile-long land ... Protecting and Connecting Our Nation's Treasured Park Landscapes National parks are key to protecting and connecting our ...