Star Spangled Banner
"AND THE ROCKETS' RED GLARE, THE BOMBS BURSTING IN AIR, GAVE PROOF THROUGH THE NIGHT THAT OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE."
In September 1814, an American lawyer named Francis Scott Key was sent to secure the release of his friend from the British fleet in Chesapeake Bay. Key was detained by the British during their bombing of Fort McHenry, one of the forts protecting Baltimore. After suffering continuous bombardment on the night of September 13 and the early morning hours of September 14, the fort did not fall into British hands. Francis Scott Key was so moved when he looked out to see that the American flag was still standing over the fort that he wrote the words to the “Star Spangled Banner." Key actually set the lyrics to the tune of an English drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heaven." Key's song became very popular throughout the country, and Congress officially adopted it as the national anthem in 1931.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Patriots & Patriotism • War of 1812.
Location. 30° 13.691′ N, 90° 54.807′ W. Marker is in Gonzales, Louisiana, in Ascension Parish. Marker can be reached from South
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The War of 1812 (here, next to this marker); The Battle of New Orleans, 1815 (here, next to this marker); The Mexican-American War (a few steps from this marker); Mexico Will Poison Us (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Mexican-American War (a few steps from this marker); The Freedom Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Ascension Parish Residents Fighting the War on Terror (within shouting distance of this marker); The War on Terror: The Afghanistan War (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gonzales.
More about this marker. Located at the Gonzales Veterans Memorial Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2018.
