The flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the battle was an unusually large garrison flag, measuring approximately 30 by 42 feet. It was designed and sewn by Mary Pickersgill, a Baltimore flag maker, and her team of seamstresses. The flag featured 15 stars, representing the 15 states of the Union at the time, and 15 stripes, representing the original 13 colonies plus two new states, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Key witnessed the fierce bombardment of the fort by British ships during the night and saw the massive American flag still waving triumphantly over the ramparts in the morning light. The sight inspired him to write the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which later became known as the Star-Spangled Banner. The poem was set to music and eventually became the national anthem of the United States.
After the War of 1812, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag underwent various repairs and preservation efforts. In 1912, it was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution, where it has been meticulously preserved and conserved. Today, the flag remains an iconic symbol of American history, representing the nation's resilience, patriotism, and the defense of its values and freedoms.