Uncovering the Origins and Evolution of Patriotic Anthems

The flag that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner" is housed in a climate-controlled chamber at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Francis Scott Key observed the British bombarding Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and saw a large American flag raised after the 24-hour bombardment. Key wrote a poem that became the national anthem, and the flag became an enduring symbol of democracy.