A few weeks ago, we wrote a blog titled, The Bicentennial of the War of 1812: How Baltimore Built its Legacy. In that post, we outlined Baltimore’s involvement in the War of 1812. But as many Baltimoreans may have noticed, we left out one very important moment of that war, a moment that would not only help to define our nation, but a moment that would forever link Baltimore with one of our nation’s most recognizable symbols, our National Anthem.
Baltimore and the U.S. National Anthem
Following the famous Battle of Baltimore and the legendary assault on Fort McHenry, the people of Baltimore looked upon the fort, anxiously waiting to learn the fate of the fort and the entire city. Witnesses observed the lowering of the 17-by-25-foot storm flag, which had flown over the fort throughout the battle, and the raising of a 30-by-42-foot American Flag.
It was just a routine flag ceremony, but to the city of Baltimore and the entire nation, it announced to the world that the fort and the city had survived the 25-hour bombardment.
In the distance was Francis Scott Key, a local lawyer. Witnessing the bombardment and the eventual raising of the American flag over Fort McHenry, Key was inspired to jot down his thoughts. Two days later, he finished his poem, which he titled “The Defense of Fort McHenry.” This poem was later put to music and renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In 1931 it was officially made the national anthem.
Baltimore Today: A Microcosm of American Culture
Since 1812, Baltimore has grown into bustling service economy, with a growing financial, business, and health service base for the southern Mid-Atlantic region. On top of its thriving industry and growing economy, Baltimore is also home to a diverse consumer population, two professional sports franchises, the National Aquarium, which is located in the city’s world renowned Inner Harbor, and much more!
Baltimore is truly a microcosm of our nation, making the city the perfect test market to conduct market research!
To learn more about and Baltimore as a Test Market, please contact Barbara Gassaway and the market research specialists at Observation Baltimore today by calling 410-332-0400 or click here! And if you are interested in participating in a future focus group, sign up at www.observationbaltimore/getpaid.
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