"If you go to the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, you can see a massive American flag: thirty feet tall and forty-two feet long. That's huge! But how did it get there? And where did it come from? Well ... The story of this giant flag begins in 1812 and stars a major on the eve of battle, a seamstress and her mighty helpers, and a poet named Francis Scott Key. This isn't just the story of one flag. It's the story of "The Star Spangled-Banner," a poem...

Recounts the story of how Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became the national anthem of the United States.

Complemented by historical artwork and photos, an account of the lesser-known history of America's national anthem describes the American flag's design, the important contributions of free black soldiers during the War of 1812, and the intense battle that inspired Francis Scott Key's poem.

It was September 14, 1814, and America and Great Britain were at war. Francis Scott Key watched from the deck of a British ship, where he was being held captive, as cannons exploded around them. After 25 hours, the fighting ceased and Key peered through the clearing smoke, looking for some sign as to the outcome of the battle. Was the American flag still flying? His wartime experience inspired Key to write a poem, which was later set to music and...

Describes the circumstances that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." Includes lyrics and music.

Briefly discusses the authorship of the poem later set to music that became the national anthem of the United States as well as the flag itself.

Discusses the story of the poem "The star spangled banner," how that poem became the national anthem of the United States, and the background to and outcome of the War of 1812.

Tells the story behind the original nineteenth-century national treasure that inspired the poem by Francis Scott Key and the American national anthem, while sharing insights into how the Smithsonian cares for the flag.