Existing comment:
The British fleet was located about halfway between the bridge and the fort. Francis Scott Key's boat was located about two miles downstream -- behind the bridge in the distance. Amazingly, he could see the flag in the fort from there. There's question as to whether he could have done so. According to a sign, remember, however, that the flag was large, and that Key probably watched through a spyglass. Also, the colors of the bright-starred banner could have shone brilliantly when lit by flashing explosives during the overcast night, and later, by the first rays of dawn. |