The spot of the National Anthem

Slowly drifting, by boat, to a 3,000-pound flag-painted buoy offers an epic American story to tell.  The Star-Spangled Banner was written in its' exact spot when the "bombs were bursting in air".  Let us travel back in time when the anthem was first inspired, from an American prisoner aboard a British war ship here in the Cheasapeake Bay.

In 1814, the British had a plan - attack to destroy Fort Henry and move on to invade Baltimore.   On one-of-the-sixteen British vessels, a part-time poet named Francis Scott Key, was being held prisoner.  Looking out of the holding tank window, he sadly watched as "rockets red glares" were streaming across the "dawn's early light".  The island base was being bombarded!  

Throughout the "perilous fight, "our flag was still there"!  As Francis was witnessing this tragic event, he began writing, on the back of an envelope, the first draft of what we know today as our national anthem - The Star-Spangled Banner.

This beautiful commemorative buoy represents the approximate location this part time poet was inspired to write our national anthem. Boaters and motorists on the Francis Scott Key Bridge can easily spot and enjoy this flag-painted buoy anchored in place with an 8,500-pound block of cement. 

The bombardment was a failure.  The British were forced to retreat leading to a turning point in the War of 1812.  Fort McHenry survived the 25-hour attack of over 1,500 bombs, rockets and shells.  Today there is a small free visitor center which can be enjoyed by taking a Water Taxi to the fort.

Having boat access to this epic story began with a brief encounter, asking a local if they could recommend a Maryland IPA to me.  Thank you both for this unforgettable experience on your beautiful boat in the Chesapeake Bay.  

Closing this fun narrative with the last words - "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave".