Big Elk Chapel

Historical marker location:

Elkton, Maryland

( Marker is at the intersection of Gallaher Road and Big Elk Church Road, on the right when traveling north on Gallaher Road.)

Maryland was the birthplace of the national anthem: The national anthem of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner," was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor and was inspired by the American flag still flying over the fort at dawn.