They Cut Up the Star Spangled Banner!!! | History Traveler Episode 17

It never ceases to amaze me how significant historic items have been treated. Like the Star Spangled Banner that Francis Scott Key observed flying over Ft. McHenry being cut up for souvenirs. Fortunately, what's left can be seen at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Plus a cool American Revolution gunboat that was recovered 150 years later. Always learning!
More from the Smithsonian Museum of American History here: • American History at th...
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[@matthewwhitt9398]

I went to critical care school at John Hopkins and made the trip down several times to the Smithsonian. By far my favorite was the American History museums. My wife and I are homeschooling our two boys, nephew and two nieces. We are going to be using your videos when talking about certain people and places. Don’t worry about it being too dark because it’s still really high quality and we can see just fine. You do a fantastic job! Loved your videos about Washington and Jackson. Keep it up and God Bless!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome! Glad to hear that it's proving to be useful. Thanks!

[@bethann0808]

Where that metal flag was hanging is where the 1812 flag used to hang back in the day. As soon as you walked into the building I thought "where is the flag?" I'm glad that they are preserving it better. It has been years and years since I've been to that museum, and it looks like I really should make a trip to go back

[@ajl143]

George Armistead"s nephew Lewis Armistead was a confederate general who was killed in the battle of Gettysburg. He was leading an assault with Picketts charge.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Interesting. Didn't know that. Always learning something. Thanks!

[@AwesomesauceME08]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I love that a year ago you didn't know that and now look you have an entire video of it and an amazing series on the civil war. Love ya brother, keep them coming!

[@samuelyoder5502]

I did chuckle a bit when you said you didn't know they had rockets back then considering the line "and the rockets' red glare". Great video though!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Sometimes I move my mouth before I engage my brain. I legitimately didn't know that they had rockets like that though during that time. Always learning something, I guess. Glad that you are enjoying the channel :)

[@johnyannelli2480]

We need more you tubers like this guy! He is the best!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@robertmoyer175]

I watch a lot of other channels and notice how they improve over time. In viewing this one again, I was again impressed by the quality and quantity you had from the beginning. Still revisit the Jefferson Barracks videos.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@tomthatcher7757]

I have visited Fort McHenry. The story about the flag is interesting. When the battle started, no one knew who won the battle. They were told to look at the flag pole, and whichever flag flew after the battle was over would be the ones who won the battle. When Francis Scott Key saw the American flag flying, he knew America won the battle, and that is what inspired him to write the song. I thought that was very interesting. They will go into detail about the history of the flag if interested. I enjoyed touring the fort and learning the history of the battle and the flag.

[@leroypuckett3441]

Just another great video 👌 I just can't get enough of them so keep them coming buddy 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 👍

[@simonmassey3747]

Thanks for reposting JD most interesting and informative video. Hope you and all of our American 'Cousins' manage to have a fantastic Independence Day. Thanks for sticking with us from a grateful Limey.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Simon Massey 🙏🏼

[@rickgregory9616]

You missed mentioning the 'V" on the flag. I wrote a book, 'One Nation Under God' many years ago where I talk about the Star-Spangled Banner and the "V" or a chevron on the 3rd white strip from the bottom. During the four decades Louisa Armistead possessed the flag she allowed it to be shown in public only on special occasions. She also made an addition to and a deletion of the flag. She cut out one of the stars and gave it to an acquaintance whom her daughter later described as “some official person,” whose identity is not known. And she sewed what appears to be a red chevron - an upside-down "V" onto the third white stripe from the bottom of the flag. A small letter “B” is embroidered on one side of the chevron. The other side has an "M" inscribed on it in ink. Historians believe that this chevron was intended to be the capital letter "A" for Armistead. They are not certain what the “B” or “M” were meant to signify, although there has been speculation that they could stand for “Baltimore, Maryland.”

[@Wreckdiver59]

Who'd a thunk it, well on your way to 150K plus subscribers. Your channel is awesome and I'm so glad I found it 😊

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Pretty crazy to see where this whole thing has gone.

[@jerrigreen7443]

Was amazing to see the flag laying down and all the restoration people working on it.

[@Jerry-fn5nx]

Amazing to see the flag from Ft McHenry. Love seeing the gunboat Philadelphia. I had no clue it was found and raised. The battle of Valcour Bay is a very interesting fight.

[@RicardoCoyote]

General Lewis Armistead who died at Gettysburg was the nephew of General George Armistead who commanded Fort McHenry in the War of 1812.

[@heatherstevenson8834]

That punch must have been da bomb! LOL!

[@scotttaylor7211]

I seem to remember an interesting fact about the 1812 flag is that they added not only a star for each state but also a stripe. I think this flag has 15 Stars and 15 Stripes.

[@timf2279]

Another great tour thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

You bet!

[@fbodyfan2776]

just found these videos, awesome content sir, had to subscribe

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

fbodyfan2 - Oh wow. Thanks for the kind words. That really means a lot. Got some big plans for 2020. Hopefully the episode continue to deliver 🙂

[@1psychofan]

“Please touch” …”well by all means!” Lol your sidebar comments are fantastic you crack me up!! (I agree, discovering the Philadelphia would be amazing!)

[@joyceclark8476]

Hello, I don’t always comment, but, I’m fairly new subscriber. I’ve mentioned in earlier videos. Just want to say I always like and I enjoy your videos. I am still here. Thank you for the history. Joyce from Connecticut 🇺🇸. ARROW *🎱

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you so much! So glad that you're enjoying the content.

[@lee-johnson]

Thanks for sharing this. Very cool

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Lee Johnson Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Got a lot more content from DC coming.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Great that they found and preserved the Gunboat Philidelphia. Interesting reading that when they first invented the "Bomb Shell" they quickly realized to Not Light It Before placing into the Cannon's Barrel. The powder going-off to propel the "Bomb Shell" would light it. Thanks for the Tour.

[@scottmiller2687]

Great video as always Jaymie! Yes, the British did burn the White House during the War of 1812,, but many Americans are unaware that they did this in retaliation to the Americans burning of York (modern day Toronto). Keep those videos coming! Your work is absolutely wonderful and enlightening!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you are enjoying them.

[@kimberleegullbailey2547]

I tear up everytime I hear our star spangled banner. 🇺🇸❤🗽❤🙏🙏🙏 Thank you for showing us the actual flag! Hand on my heart. ❤

[@philipcollins5440]

Another great job 👍

[@irvinscarberry9684]

They actually aren't sure if Lewis Armistead is buried is buried in Baltimore with his Uncle. Or in a different part of the Cemetery. LT Armistead was the original person entrusted with keeping the Star Spangled Banner safe.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Irvin Scarberry - Interesting! Thanks for the added info and thanks for watching.

[@sportcardcollector9599]

Just subscribed today I'm on my 20th video keep up the great work buddy 😎 big Mike

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated. If you come across any episode that you think others might be interested in, feel free to give it a share. Always looking to spread historical knowledge wherever we can.

[@TJDawgs72]

The Smithsonian has been on my bucket list for years...one of these days. I’m gonna spend two full days at just the Smithsonian when I get to DC.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I enjoyed your video.

[@joemabry9643]

Thank you!

[@mctc10]

Have you gone to FT MChenry. It’s pretty cool.

[@dianebrewer6531]

I thought of some other places here in the west you might what to visit. California has a historical site for the Donner party. They also have a great village at Sutters Mill.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I'd love to get out there sometime.

[@timikobilyeu9908]

I'm a decendent of francis Scott Key and my last name was changed after a girl was born in the great great great great? Grandson i belive idk how many greats

[@4.9copblank49]

Excellent video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed it. Got a few others up on this channel that you may find interesting as well.

[@tjredreppinpcp]

I caught your “joke” when showing the flag. “Pretty cool that the flag is still there!”

[@FIREMARSHALBILLSFireStore]

Clarification. The "flag" was not cut up and sold for souvenirs. Pieces where given to the families and soldiers as a memento of their actions. There was no such thing as the American flag at this period in history there where ship ensigns to recognize countries ships. The American flag was not recognized until the early 1900's. As far as the song, The Star Spangled Banner, before it was our Anthem it was a bar song. I felt I needed to clarify, since your title and wording, slander the Armistead family. I enjoy your video's and keep up what your doing. Sincerely, William Armistead

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate you commenting. You are correct that misspoke when I said "sold". That was my error. I should've said that they were given away as keepsakes as you mentioned. As far as there being no such thing as the American flag during that period, I can only go by what the Smithsonian themselves provide. In numerous publications by the Smithsonian, they refer to it as a flag and if you look at :25, you'll see that the entryway to the gallery says, "The Star Spangled Banner; The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem. Regardless, we are forever indebted to the Armistead family for preserving what we have. By today's standards, it's a shame that it was cut up but different people hold different values in different times and I should have been more clear on that. No disrespect was intended. Again, thanks for bringing that to the surface and for watching. I hope that you continue to enjoy the videos.

[@royda60]

When you go down that dark hall and round the corner and see that flag it will give you goose bumps, at least it did for me.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so.

[@richards.7770]

Makes me choke up every time.

[@frankscarborough1428]

The star spangled has a line says “and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air”

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Sometimes I say stupid things in the moment 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@arielcabalin2746]

So, thanks to Canadians, US have a national anthem and fire extinguishers ! Very interesting video, thank you for sharing it !

[@markrichardson6714]

When you said British bombshell I thought of Dusty Soringfield.

[@jontansley1481]

Interesting to hear about the U.S.S Philadephia - even for a 'Limey' but there was another American nautical vessel believed lost but then found and raised from the deep. The C.S.S Hunley was the first submarine to actually torpedo and sink an enemy vessel although she to sank with all hands returning home from that fracas. This was during the American Civil War. The author Clive Cussler found the wreck of the Hunley and it has been raised from the sea bed but does anyone know where or if it is on permanent display?

[@janineharrison5186]

I went as a kid in the late 60's to that building. That huge wall in back of you during the beginning and end had a flag hanging. I believe it was the flag you just saw. There was an elephant displayed in the area where the circle on the floor is. They realized that the UV rays were destroying the flag and took it down. I'm pretty sure it was on that wall. Anyone else have information on that?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Janine Harrison - Oh wow. I didn’t know any of that. Yes, if anybody has any insight, I’d like to know as well.

[@joeysbestbud6785]

Yes the flag did hang there at the entrance where the metal artistic copy is hanging in this video. The elephant is in the museum of natural history and is still there.

[@richards.7770]

The artistic flag against the wall is made up of glass panels. And yes, the elephant is in the Rotunda of the National Museum of Natural History.

[@bobmorgan1762]

I saw the flag before, during and after the restoration. They removed the chevron ‘A’ symbol in the stripes. It’s missing one star and came up with the idea of the President to announce a $1 million “National Treasure Hunt” to locate the “missing star.”

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. How cool. I didn't know about all of that. Thanks!

[@richardanderson5109]

Bob Morgan How is it missing one star ????? In the video there are depicted 2 Flags or a photographic reproduction and they both had 13 stars,13 colonies,ya think ???? ♿ 🇺🇸

[@tuntaverntraveltrailer4808]

@@richardanderson5109 No. The original Star Spangled Banner, that is shown in this video and which flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, had 15 stars and 15 stripes to represent the addition of Vermont and Kentucky. It is, indeed, missing a star that was cut out by a souvenir hunter. Look again.

[@robertphelps1574]

Francis Scott key only wrote the poem the music for the American national anthem comes from a song composed by John Stafford Smith in 1773 called To Anacreon in heaven a English song and the music was again used in a presidential campaign song called Adams and liberty in 1798

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@robertphelps1574]

The History Underground I’m from the U.K. but love your channel

[@bradleysechler8054]

i didnt know that there are more verses to the star spangled banner

[@julesotis13]

this long time new mexican baltimore native says thanks - SJOCR

[@robertgrim1761]

Cool....

[@daniellebennis2126]

Does it say how big that flag is cause it looks huge even with the chuncks out of it

[@bradleypickersgill2838]

42' long, 30' tall. Each star is 2' from tip to tip. -Bradley Pickersgill

[@ChrisAldridge]

The British still today like to talk shit about the time they sacked Washington DC, but what they leave out is the fact that DC, at that time, was not a major city at all, which is why they didn't win the war when they captured it. The biggest city was Baltimore, which is why they moved on it afterwards but failed to take it because Fort McHenry would not surrender.

[@wakcedout]

And now we have fools tearing down history because its "offensive". Sorry but we need to remember all history, the good and thr bad. Lest we repeat the mistakes of our ancestors.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

wakcedout - Sad

[@darrengilbert7438]

It is terrible. People who burn and disrespect the flag should be punished in my opinion. It should be against the law to disrespect our flag. Sad that our country has turned into what it is today.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Go read the 3rd stanza of the Star Spangled Banner. And you can see why there's so much disdain for the song and its writer. Not for the flag but the writer and his racist comments and feelings! After you read it and you have questions hit me up and I'll respond!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

First, I want to be clear that I find slavery and all forms of racism to be wrong. With that in mind, I always try and maintain a sense of historical context when looking at things like this. Was slavery evil? Of course, but if you or I had been born into that time and place, it probably wouldn't have bothered us. At least not unless we were enlightened by some outside source. So I've never taken the mention of slaves in the third stanza to be overtly racist. Rather, I think that by mentioning slaves alongside the "hireling", he was saying that no one was immune from the ravages of war. Thanks pointing that out!

[@sjmnic]

@@TheHistoryUndergroundAnother point to keep in mind is how our generation will be judged by future generations. Will they judge us for allowing capital punishment? Will they hate us for not having done something sooner about global warming? Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.

[@seasonedsofisticate1901]

The History Underground hmmm........it probably wouldn’t have bothered you.....hmmm🤔

[@georgehays4900]

It’s called the National Anthem now.

[@cadebritt8001]

Not any informative information. 😕