where was the star spangled banner song written

“The Star-Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. Key wrote the lyrics after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, specifically during the Battle of Baltimore. The fort defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British Navy. Key was inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over the fort after the battle, which led him to write the lyrics that would later become the national anthem of the United States.