One of the most thrilling events in Baltimore's history led to the writing of our national song--"The Star-Spangled Banner." Francis Scott Key, of Baltimore, was a prisoner on a British man-of-war in 1814, when the British attacked Fort McHenry. Fort McHenry guarded Baltimore, and if the fort fell, the city too must go. All day the English ships fired shot and shell at the fort. During all the night the attack went on. Anxiously Key watched through the darkness. Could the fort hold out against such a terrible bombardment? From time to time, by flashes from bursting bombs, he could see the outlines of the fort. Then came the dawn. In the early morning light Key saw our flag still waving, and in his joy he wrote on the back of an old letter the words of the song that has since become so famous. A wide thoroughfare which follows the curve of the water front for several miles is named in honor of Francis Scott Key. Key Highway, it is called, and it leads to Fort McHenry, which the War Department has lately given over to the care of the city of Baltimore. =BALTIMORE= FACTS TO REMEMBER Population (1910), over 500,000 (558,485). Seventh city in rank, according to population, in the United States. Located near the head of Chesapeake Bay. Has a fine harbor and a splendid dock system. An important railroad center. Has a large and growing foreign commerce. An important manufacturing center. Ranks first among the cities of the United States as a canning and preserving center. The world's chief center for the manufacture of straw hats. An important center for shipping oysters and crabs. Associated with the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW AND STUDY 1. What advantages of location does Baltimore possess? 2. Why is Baltimore called the gateway to the South? 3. What are the leading exports of this city? 4. In what industries does Baltimore rank first in the United States? 5. What great disaster visited Baltimore in 1904, and how did the people of the city make this great trouble result in a better city? 6. What educational institution has won a splendid reputation for Baltimore? 7. Tell something of the settlement of Maryland and the city of Baltimore. 8. Tell the story of the writing of a famous song of which Baltimore is justly proud. 9. Find by inquiry or by consulting time tables the time required to reach Baltimore from the following places: New York City Atlanta Philadelphia Norfolk Washington, D.C. Richmond Pittsburgh New Orleans PITTSBURGH