The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag That Inspired the National Anthem

by Lonn Taylor

The very flag that Francis Scott Key saw still flying over Fort McHenry in 1814, inspiring him to write the poem that became the national anthem of the United States, is on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. In this splendid history, Lonn Taylor recounts the story of the Star-Spangled Banner and describes the restoration project now underway to ensure the continued preservation of this honored symbol of American patriotism.With the restoration project continuing to enjoy media attention as a featured part of Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign to save America's treasures, this celebration of the beloved flag -- and the feelings of pride it stirs in the hearts of Americans -- will be a valued souvenir and memento of our national heritage.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

About the author

Lonn Taylor was an expert on "The Star-Spangled Banner" (both the national anthem and the flag) and Southwestern furniture. He was a curator and historian with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History for nearly twenty years. After retiring in 2002, he returned to his home state of Texas, where he penned a weekly newspaper column about Texas history and other stories about Texas, which he read on Marfa Public Radio. Before his death, he finished a memoir about his childhood years spent in the Philippines.

Reviews

[Remy Sinclair · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very quick read provides an interesting look at the circumstances which inspired Francis Scott Key to write what became our national anthem.

[Remy Sinclair · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very quick read provides an interesting look at the circumstances which inspired Francis Scott Key to write what became our national anthem.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an extremely fast and easy read. I was seriously in need of some knowledge about our flag, our national anthem, and the histories of the two, a need which I realized when a friend of mine scoffed at her mother for not knowing who battled in the War of 1812. I didn't know either, but didn't want to 'fess up. When I heard that it was the War of 1812 (involving American and Britain, btw!) in which Francis Scott Key jotted down a quick, cool poem about a flag in a battle---all on a letter in his back pocket--I thought I better learn more and saw this book was recommended. The book was concise but chock-full of history about the Star Spangled Banner, the family that owned it for years, and the preservation efforts taken by the Smithsonian, where it now resides. Cool beans. Glad I know it, and I recommend the book to history buffs, or anyone with an hour or two who is interested in a fun and readable little piece of American history.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little history of the Banner. Attention is paid to the maker as well as the restoration projects.