Commonly known today as "The Star-Spangled Banner," this poem was written by Francis Scott Key after he watched the British shell Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the American victory over the British and by the large American flag that flew above the fort. Key's brother-in-law Judge Joseph H. Nicholson noticed that the words fit the popular tune "The Anacreontic Song" and commissioned this broadside of the poem. Only two copies...

"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...

In the summer of 1814, the United States of America teetered on the brink of disaster. The war it had declared against Great Britain two years earlier appeared headed toward inglorious American defeat. The young nation's most implacable nemesis, the ruthless British admiral George Cockburn, launched an invasion of Washington in a daring attempt to decapitate the government and crush the American spirit. The British succeeded spectacularly, burning...

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...

Lyrics to the United States national anthem are accompanied by illustrations, a brief history of the song, and a bonus CD with two tracks.

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