He composed the song after seeing the American flag flying defiantly above Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812. The creation of the anthem ignited “the birth of flag culture ...

Marc Leepson is an American journalist and historian ... The next morning, he looked out and saw the flag rising above Fort McHenry, which moved him to write the poem. Clague: He can’t see ...

13. The steamer for Fortress Monroe stopped at Fort McHenry this evening, and took on board 37 released rebel prisoners, who were captured at Bull Run. They will be sent home by a flag of truce.