Oh Say Can You See!

During the war of 1812, Francis Scott Key was a prisoner aboard a British war ship anchored in the Chesapeake Bar during the Battle of Fort McHenry. He boarded the ship under a flag of truce to secure the release of prisoners. However, while on-board he accidentally overheard British plans to attack Baltimore.

He witnessed the battle during the night. On September 13, 1814 he wrote down his recollection of the events in a poem he called "Defence of Fort McHenry". Circulated widely, the poem was soon set to music and became known as The Star-Spangled Banner. Despite the great difficulty many have in singing the song due to the wide range of octive notes, the Star Spangled Banner became the nation's anthem in 1931.

This place is worth the visit especially if you're in Washington DC area. It makes for a great side trip!

Better yet plan on spending the day in Baltimore. There's plenty to see and do on the Chesapeake.