Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" as a poem in response to witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British forces during the War of 1812. Key was a lawyer and amateur poet who had been sent to negotiate the release of a captured American prisoner. While he was held on a British ship during the bombardment in September 1814, he observed the fierce battle and was inspired by the sight of the American flag— the Star-Spangled Banner—still flying over the fort at dawn.
Moved by the resilience and bravery displayed by the defenders, he wrote the poem "Defence of Fort McHenry" which later became set to music and adopted as the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics reflect themes of patriotism and the struggle for freedom, making it a powerful symbol of American identity.