Center for History Education
The Star-Spangled Banner: Fact or Fiction?
Is the Star-Spangled Banner an actual account of a gripping battle, or is it just a catchy tune? Young scholars compare eyewitness descriptions of the War of 1812 battle that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner." They also examine images...
Friends of Fort McHenry
Cannons During the War of 1812
During the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, only 25% of the bombs and rockets fired at Fort McHenry actually reached their target. Using an interactive online simulation, combine your historical study with physics and discover why...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution: Star Spangled Banner and the War of 1812
This site discusses the history behind the Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key, written during the War of 1812. Visitors can view an image of the actual American flag which flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore and...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Maryland Day, March 25, 1634
Features a brief overview of the history of Maryland, and the origin of Maryland Day. Also showcases several historical photos of Maryland from an aerial view.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Themepark: Liberty: War of 1812
Find a large collection of internet resources organized around the War of 1812. Links to places to go, people to see, things to do, teacher resources, and bibliographies.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: What the Star Spangled Banner Means
Thorough two-part lesson plan that explains the historical significance of the Star Spangled Banner and the American flag. Includes a link to a wonderful site about the history of the American flag. Requires the students to think about...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: The Star Spangled Banner: The Flag That Inspired the National Anthem
Use this site to discover the history of the flag that was the inspiration for our national anthem. Take the quiz and test your knowledge of the American flag. Included is information about the War of 1812.
Have Fun With History
Have Fun With History: Historic American Forts
Module for teachers and students on historic American forts. Includes informational videos of forts Ticonderoga, Fredericks and McHenry and a link to Fort Frederick website.
Other
All Four Stanzas: The National Anthem
Asimov (1920-1992 CE) explains the background for the National Anthem and provides the lyrics for all four verses.
Other
The War of 1812: Battle of Baltimore
Brief overview through video and text of the Battle of Baltimore as the turning point in the War of 1812 and place where Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Fort Mc Henry
The National Park Service maintains the famous fort that is known for the creation of the Star Spangled Banner. Site provides a menu of items for related information.
PBS
Pbs Lesson Plan: The American Flag
A lesson from the (9-11-01) PBS, "America Responds," series where learners examine the history, importance, and pride associated with the American Flag. This lesson engages students in discussion and a variety of "patriotic" activities...
Other
Us flag.org: Francis Scott Key (1780 1843)
Who was Francis Scott Key? What did he write? You can find the answers to these two questions and much more by exploring this website.
Library of Congress
Loc: James Mc Henry to Alexander Hamilton
This is a transcript of a letter of Delegates to Congress written by James McHenry to Alexander Hamilton: Volume 21 October 1, 1783 - October 31, 1784.