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Francis Scott Key and the Birth of "The Star-Spangled Banner"
"The Star-Spangled Banner" was born at dawn on September 14, 1814, in the aftermath of battle. A long day and night of intense British bombardment had finally ended. The attack on Fort McHenry had failed and Baltimore was saved. As the American defenders of the fort hoisted a huge flag, one eyewitness was moved to commemorate their courage in a song. Francis Scott Key was the poet, and his words became the National Anthem. |