Picture Progress #4

"The Star Spangled Banner" depicts the events surrounding Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. When news reaches Washington that the English are advancing, a character named Key rides into the city and helps save Gilbert Stuart's painting of George Washington from capture. After English soldiers are freed by Dr. Beanes, the grateful men arrange for Key's release, leading him aboard a ship where he witnesses the bombardment of Fort McHenry and, inspired by the American flag still flying over the fort at dawn, writes the poem that would become "The Star Spangled Banner."