Walt Penney Field

Historical marker location:

7403 Buffalo Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland

( Marker can be reached from Takoma Avenue just north of Buffalo Avenue, on the right when traveling north.)

Marker installed: 2005

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.