Save Our History — Season 1, Episode 13: The Star-Spangled Banner

Episode synopsis

This program, narrated by Roger Mudd, offers an interesting look at the history of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key's poem confirming a young nation's sense of self. The particular flag Key saw came about through the herculean efforts of a seamstress to meet a request by Captain Amistad, commander of Ft. McHenry outside of Baltimore. The captain wanted a large symbol of American pride to wave in the face of the British fleet as it bombarded his post during the War of 1812. Most likely, the good Captain had no suspicions as to just how wildly successful his efforts would be--after Key's poem was published in 1814, it was paired with a tune from a drinking song (everybody knew the melody already so it was easy to remember) and became quite popular. In addition to tracing the song and flag's history, the program also looks at present-day intricate efforts to preserve what is left of the original fabric.

About Save Our History

Save Our History is a program sponsored by The History Channel. It is a national history education and preservation program that raises awareness and support for preserving local and national heritage. It is partnered with Preserve America, a White House initiative created by Laura Bush on March 3, 2003, to encourage the preservation of the United States's cultural heritage. The show is hosted by Edward Herrmann. In 2006, Save Our History added the Teacher and Student of the Year Awards. The award is given to teachers and students who help preserve historical sites in their communities. One of the sites included the first Union Army camp for African Americans in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War. The other sites were the Mars Train Station in Mars, Pennsylvania and the Strand Theater in Zelienople, Pennsylvania.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Underground Railroad
• E2Dear Home: Letters from World War I
• E3The Declaration of Independence
• E4Frontier Homes
• E5The World War II Memorial
• E6National D-Day Museum
• E7Grand Central
• E8The White House: 200th Anniversary
• E9Dear Home: Letters from WWI
• E10Civil War Battlefields
• E11America's Most Endangered 2001
• E12The Missouri