Star Spangled Banner Study Guide

Song Trivia
The tune is from an English drinking song called To Anacreon in Heaven
Originally written as a poem called The Defense of Fort McHenry
There are four verses
Written in September of 1814 at the end of the war of 1812
Officially became our National Anthem in March of 1931 by President Hoover
Fort McHenry
Located in Baltimore Maryland
Home to American soldiers who protected the city
Francis Scott Key
Lived in Baltimore Maryland
He was a lawyer
Sent to the Tonnant (British war ship) to arrange the release of Dr. Beanes
Witnessed the bombing of Fort McHenry
Wrote the words on the back of an envelope
Buried at Fort McHenry
Key Players
Francis Scott Key Wrote the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner
Dr. Williams Beans person who was arrested and taken to the Tonnant
John S. Skinner American military officer in charge of prisoner exchange
Mary Pickersgill Sewed the extremely large flag that flew over Fort McHenry by
hand paid $574.44
General Armistad - in charge of Fort McHenry
Vocabulary words
You will have to know the words to the first verse of the Star Spangled Banner
Rampart short wall of earth or wood that protects buildings or military forts
Perilous a dangerous journey or event
Twilight time between dark and light
Etiquette Rules
Remove hats
Stand up
Right hand over heart
Face the flag
Be quiet- no talking, no moving around (singing is OK)
Why
Respect Country, flag, military personnel
National Pride shows pride for our country
Reminds us of our freedom
Honor Americans that fought for our freedom and rights
Where is the flag now?
The original Star Spangled Banner is now located at the Smithsonian Museum of
American History in Washington DC