Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
O Say Can You See?
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
1. O Say Can You See? Marker
Francis Scott Key, an attorney and Frederick County's native son, saw the battle unfold from behind enemy lines. He had journeyed out to-the British fleet to negotiate the release of an American prisoner. Through the night and into the early morning the fight raged on.
The flag that Key saw at dawn was the largest American flag anyone had ever witnessed. The emotions that Key felt at seeing the flag, and knowing that our nation's independence was secure, prompted him to write The Star Spangled Banner.
Francis Scott Key lies beneath the monument in front of you, and within view of Catoctin Mountain which he loved from his youth. With him in the cemetery beyond are the graves of hundreds of veterans from the War of 1812. In his immortal song that later became our national anthem, Key celebrated American freedom and honored its defenders.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812.
Location. 39° 24.373′ N, 77° 24.757′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Home of the Brave (here, next to this marker); Final Resting Place (a few steps from this marker); Francis Scott Key (a few steps from this marker); Maryland's “Cemetery Beautiful” (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Francis Scott Key (a few steps from this marker); “Frederick's Other City” (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Francis Scott Key (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Francis Scott Key (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
More about this marker. This marker includes a recording of the Star Spangled Banner played by the US Navy Band, activated by a button on the marker.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
2. O Say Can You See? Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
3. The Star Spangled Banner
The flag flown by the defenders of Fort McHenry bore 15 stars and 15 stripes. The original 32 x 42-foot flag is preserved in Washington, D.C. Here at Key's Grave, the cemetery superintendent flies the Star-Spangled Banner perpetually.Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
4. Star Spangled Banner
The day after the battle Key's song was printed in Baltimore, and sung throughout the city. This early copy of the sheet music reflects the joy and pride of Americans in maintaining their independence. Not until 1931 did Congress make the song out national anthem. To see all four verses of the song, view the bronze plaque on the back side of the Key Monument. Close-up of image on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
5. Key Family Members at the Dedication
Members of the Key family gather around the Key Monument at its dedication August 9, 1898, Key and his wife Mary are buried in a crypt beneath the monument. School children and citizens from around the country raised money for the monument's construction. Below Key's bronze statue is the seated figure of Columbia representing patriotism.Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
6. Unveiling Medal
1898 medal commemorating Key and the monuments dedication.Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 23, 2008
7. Francis Scott Key Monument and Grave
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, December 23, 2008
8. Francis Scott Key
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 1, 2017
9. The Star Spangled Banner
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 2, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 7, 8, 9. submitted on May 4, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
