Star Spangled Banner

Most important info:

1.) The "Star-Spangled Banner" was written as a poem by Francis Scott Key.
2.) He wrote it after being inspired by the Battle at Fort McHenry which was part of the War of 1812.

Fun Facts:
3.) Francis Scott Key was a lawyer, not a composer of music. He enjoyed poetry as a hobby.
4.) His efforts, along with Officer John Skinner resulted in the release of Dr. William Beanes.
5.) Key, Skinner, and Beanes were held by the British during the Battle at Fort McHenry

6.) The giant flag at Fort McHenry, the Garrison flag, was sewn by Mary Pickersgill.
7.) The Garrison flag is currently at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
8.) A large portion of the flag is missing. Pieces of the flag were given as gifts by the Armestead family over the years. The remainder of the flag was eventually given to the Smithsonian for proper preservation and display.