Crafting a Legacy
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
—War of 1812 —
On September 14, 1814, Fort McHenry withstood a 25-hour British bombardment. The garrison flag waving over the victorious fort inspired Francis Scot Key to pen lyrics that became the U.S. national anthem.
The family of George Armistead, commander at Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, held the garrison flag until 1912. A grandson donated it to the Smithsonian Institution, where it is displayed today.
“Through the clouds of war, the stars of that banner still shone…and in that hour of …joy triumph, my heart spoke…’Does not such a country…deserve a song’ was its question.”
Francis Scot Key, August 6, 1834.
(Inscription about the flag)
Too large for Mary’s house, the 30 x 42-foot garrison flag was finished on the floor of a nearby brewery. Her helpers included an African American indentured servant named Grace Wisher.
(Inscription next to the photo on the right)
Receipt for two flags received on August 19, 1813. Image/Courtesy Star-Spangled Banner Flag House.
Marker series. This marker is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail marker series.
Location. 39° 17.232′ N, 76° 36.216′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. Marker is on Pratt Street. Touch for map. The marker is located on the lawn of the Star-Spangled Banner House. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Baltimore Slave Trade (here, next to this marker); The Flag House and Star-Spangled Banner Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); The Star Spangled Banner (within shouting distance of this marker); Flag House (within shouting distance of this marker); Discover Historic Jonestown: An Epic Story of Change (within shouting distance of this marker); Baltimore Riot Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Star Spangled Banner Flag was Born Here (about 400 feet away); Brewer’s Park (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Categories. • War of 1812 •
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on December 22, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. This page has been viewed 767 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 22, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.