Built in 1793, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House was the home and place of business of Mary Pickersgill, maker of the flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the British attack in 1814. Today, it is a living-history museum that offers a view of American life during the early 19th century.

In 1813 Fort McHenrys commanding officer Major George Armistead commissioned Mary Pickersgill, an experienced flag maker to create a flag that was "so large that the British will have no difficulty seeing it from a distance". During the bombardment of Fort McHenry, U.S. Attorney Francis Scott Key was aboard a British truce vessel. Inspired by the vision of the 30inch x 42inch flag, he wrote the poem that would become our national anthem.

Following the War of 1812, the flag developed into a dominant national symbol. The Star-Spangled Banner began to represent the broad ideals and values of a nation. Today the American flag evokes a special patriotic feeling - freedom, democracy and what it means to be an American.

* 844 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202.

>City(s) = Baltimore; State(s) = MD; Country = USA.
>Title = The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, Baltimore, MD, US - Video.
>Keywords = The Star Spangled Banner, Flag House, Baltimore, MD, US, Mary Pickersgill, flag maker,Fort McHenry, British attack 1814, Major George Armistead, Francis Scott Key, national anthem,American flag (329)
>Catg =