The Star-Spangled Banner, the Flag That Inspired the National Anthem

Celebrate Flag Day on June 14: The museum is home to the original Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the National Anthem. On the morning of September 14, 1814, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry raised a large American garrison flag to celebrate a crucial victory over British forces during the War of 1812, often called the second War of Independence. The sight of those broad stripes and bright stars inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics to a song that in 1931 became the United States national anthem. For more information about the flag and its exhibition, please visit the website.