The National Mall in Northwest Washington 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 —
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 29, 2014
1. Legacy of War Marker
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.
—Francis Scott Key, Star-Spangled Banner, stanza 4
Erected 2014 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
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Location. 38° 53.502′ N, 77° 1.804′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. 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); Joseph Henry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Smithson (about 300 feet away); John Quincy Adams (about 300 feet away); Ingenuity (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 29, 2014
2. Legacy of War Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 29, 2014
3. 15-Star, 15-Stripe Flag
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 519 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 30, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
