Geoquest - Brief Article

Current Events, Nov 16, 2001

When Francis Scott Key saw the flag pictured at right flying at a military fort during the War of 1812, he was inspired to write the words that would become the national anthem. During the war, Key met with British officers on a ship to try to secure the release of a prisoner. Before Key returned to land, the British began an attack on the nearby military fort. When the bombing subsided, Key saw the U.S. flag still flying. He quickly wrote a poem that became the words to "The Star Spangled Banner" Today, the flag belongs to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

What is the name of the fort that inspired Key, and where is it located?