After Fort Henry’s commander died, his wife, Louisa, inherited it. The Armistead family ended up in possession of the Star-Spangled Banner. This smaller flag was the one that was actually used during the battle and the larger one was raised the next morning after the battle was won. She was also hired to make a smaller version, known as a storm flag, for $168.54. The finished flag was delivered to the fort on August 9, 1813.įor her efforts, Mary was paid $405.90. At first, they worked on the flag in Mary’s home, now the Flag House private museum, until they needed more room to work and moved the project to Claggett’s brewery across the street. Mary, along with her daughter, three nieces, and a 13-year-old indentured servant, spent ten hours a day for six weeks working on the flag. It was to have 15 stars and 15 stripes to represent each of the states at that time.
The plans called for a flag measuring 30 by 42 feet.
#Who create the star spangled banner song professional
He hired a 29-year-old widow and professional flag maker, Mary Young Pickersgill.
The commander approved the request and Armistead went to work. He went to the commander of Baltimore defenses to request a huge flag. In July 1813, Major General George Armistead was the commander of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The Star-Spangled Banner is not just the name of our National Anthem, it is also the name of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that turned into America’s song.