The Tides Turn
Momentum: Francis Scott Key
Fort McHenry
But in September of 1814, Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland stood strong against 25 hours of attack by the powerful British Navy. It was at this battle that Francis Scott Key penned our beloved national anthem, called “The Star-Spangled Banner” today. Key was a lawyer and had been visiting a British ship in the harbor to negotiate the release of an American who had been taken prisoner and held on the ship. Once he and his companions heard of the planned attack on Fort McHenry, they weren’t allowed to leave – even though the prisoner, Dr. Beanes, was going to be set free. It is from this ship, miles off the coast, that Key watched as his beloved America was attacked by the British Navy, bombs and cannons booming, covering the area with smoke so thick, no one could see! By dawn the next day, as the sun began to rise, Key watched as the sky cleared and he spotted the beautiful American stars and stripes flying high about Fort McHenry. The U.S. had not surrendered! They were victorious. Still stuck on the ship and filled with pride for his country, Key wrote a poem that we know today as our national anthem.
Upon returning to Baltimore, Key’s poem was published in the paper, eventually put to music, and shared widely. It now represents the ideals Americans hold dear: freedom, courage, and determination. Many years later, in 1931, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was voted by Congress and signed into law by the president as our country’s national anthem. This defeat against British troops at Fort McHenry marked a strong moment for the American soldiers. Peace talks were on the horizon; the tide was turning.
The Star Spangled Banner
- How it was heard in 1854: From the Smithsonian Museum of American History, this 19th century version (MP3) of the Star-Spangled Banner is from the Smithsonian’s website and collection. According to the Smithsonian’s website, this recording of the National Anthem is performed on original instruments from the National Museum of American History’s collection and played as it would have been heard in 1854. The music is arranged by G. W. E. Friederich.
- How we hear it today: The Museum of American History held a national anthem singing competition. According to the museum, they received over 800 eligible submissions. Here’s the contest winner singing the National Anthem at the Museum of American History:
