Fascinating facts about Francis Scott Key, the writing of what would become America's national anthem, and the War of 1812 battle flag that inspired it all.

The famous Star-Spangled Banner—today one of the greatest treasures of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History—may not have been raised until first light on September 14.

Baltimore-based artist Dan Deacon performed an electronic, autotuned national anthem that seemingly divided fans before the ...