RTP-area local music and culture

[kevin maxwell farmer <fakirmevern-amch AT yahoo.com>]

Duncan Murrell wrote:

> Being the good Maryland schoolchild, I nominate:  The Star Spangled 
> Banner, Francis Scott Key, War of 1812, British attack Ft. McHenry in 
> Baltimore Harbor one night (1814?), Key caught in the harbor on board a 
> truce ship, watches the shelling of the fort.  Flag still in 
> Smithsonian.  I believe the tune is based on a song with different 
> lyrics. Does that count?
>
> d

nominally.

key was several miles away from fort mchenry during the bombardment,
which lasted for one night only, and was intermittent at that. while i'm
sure he was worried, i wouldn't exactly call that a harrowing wartime
experience. the british probably even served tea.