Sunday, August 15, 2010

The Star-Spangled Banner Correction

Hey Everyone,

I went to the American HIstory Museum as well and also stopped at this exhibit.

Just a few major corrections that I didn't want to overlook:

(1) This is NOT the first American flag!!! This flag was sewn in 1813 and is the flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812 that inspired Francis Scott Key and is hence known as the Star Spangled Banner. The first official flag following the Flag Act of 1777 is the "Betsy Ross" Flag. The first flag used during the Revolution is actually thirteen stripes with the Union Jack in the corner.

(2) The flag was commissioned to one woman, Mary Pickersgill, but was sown by her, her family, and some of her servants.

That said, this was a really good exhibit with lots of memorabilia from the Battle of Baltimore including British rockets. shells, and bombs. It also has pieces related to the writing of the poem/song and the preservation of the flag. I also encourage you all to go see the exhibit

-Sean F

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