O Say Can You See?

Georgetown lawyer Francis Scott Key did not initially support the War of 1812 against Great Britain. After all, he voted against President James Madison and his war. Instead, Key supported the Federalist Party. But after the notorious British military burned the White House and Capitol—the 9/11 of the War of 1812—Key set aside his political differences, spoke with President Madison, and answered the call to do what he could for his country. While aboard a British warship after negotiating the release of an American war prisoner, Key witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. What happened next changed his life. Discover why and how he came to write America's national anthem, whose lyrics have inspired millions of Americans over the years. By award-winning author and former White House webmaster, Jane Hampton Cook, America's Star-Spangled Story is a beautiful patriotic gift book for all Americans.