The National Mall in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Legacy of War

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

Legacy of War Marker image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, June 29, 2014

1. Legacy of War Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On August 24, 1814, the British brought the war to the streets of Washington. After soundly defeating the Americans at nearby Bladensburg, enemy soldiers invaded the Nation's Capital—burning the President's House, U.S. Capitol, and other public buildings.

Anticipating Baltimore would be next, Americans rallied to its defense. When smoke cleared from the British assault there September 14, Francis Scott Key saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. The sign of victory inspired Key to write the "Star-Spangled Banner," immortalizing the flag in words that became America's national anthem.

The flag that represented America's pride and resilience in the War of 1812 is exhibited here—an enduring symbol of the nation's identity and ideals.

"And our star-spangled banner
In triumph shall wave
O're the Land of the Free,
and the Home of the Brave.

Erected 2014 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812.

Location.

By Allen C. Browne, June 29, 2014

2. Legacy of War Marker

38° 53.502′ N, 77° 1.804′ W. Marker is in The National Mall in Washington, District of Columbia. Marker is on Constitution Avenue Northwest (U.S. 50) west of 14th Street Northwest (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling east. The marker is in front of the National Museum of American History on the National Mall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1300 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20560, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Renovating the Fountain (a few steps from this marker); A National Museum (a few steps from this marker); Public Art for a Modern Museum (a few steps from this marker); Making A Modern Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); From Workers to Environment (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Keeping It Green (about 300 feet away); Blazing star (about 300 feet away); Healing (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in The National Mall.

British Burn The Capitol, 1814 image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, June 29, 2014

3. British Burn The Capitol, 1814

Depiction of British Invasion of Washington by Allyn Cox (1974)Close-up of image on marker
Architect of the Capitol

The Star-Spangled Banner image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, June 29, 2014

4. The Star-Spangled Banner

Loaned to the Smithsonian in 1907 by the grandson of Fort McHenry's commander, the original flag was photographed hanging outside the Smithsonian Castle. It was officially donated in 1912. Close-up of photo on marker
Smithsonian Institution

You Are Here<br>The Star Spangled Banner Trail image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, June 29, 2014

5. You Are Here
The Star Spangled Banner Trail

Close-up of map on marker

15-Star, 15-Stripe Flag image. Click for full size.

By Allen C. Browne, June 29, 2014

6. 15-Star, 15-Stripe Flag

Behind José de Rivera's "Measuring Infinity" sculpture at the National Museum of American History

Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 472 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 30, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.