In September 1814, the British forces launched an attack on Fort McHenry, strategically located in Baltimore, Maryland. After their successful campaign to capture Washington, D.C., the British turned their focus on Baltimore as part of their strategy to weaken American resistance. On the night of September 13, a relentless bombardment began against the fort. Over 1,500 shells were fired, leaving the garrison of American defenders under incredible pressure. Amid this chaos, Francis Scott Key, an attorney and amateur poet, was aboard a ship negotiating the release of a prisoner. As he witnessed the intense battle and the ongoing explosions, the sight of the large American flag, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, still flying at dawn inspired him deeply. He began to write a poem, hoping to capture the resilience and bravery exhibited by the American troops during the bombardment.

Key's poem, titled 'Defence of Fort McHenry,' conveyed a triumphant spirit and became a symbol of hope and national identity. The flag itself had become an icon of resilience, representing the perseverance of the American spirit in the face of adversity. Soon after, the poem was set to the tune of a popular British song, and it gradually gained recognition as 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' The lyrics reflected not just Key's personal experience but the collective struggle of Americans during the War of 1812, reinforcing a sense of national unity and pride.