Along a quiet street lined by churches and trees stands a monument to the author of the Star Spangled Banner. Francis Scott Key’s return from the British ship from which he was held captive during the attack on Fort McHenry is forever immortalized. Standing in the skiff holding the parchment on which the words for the Star Spangled banner is held by Francis Scott Key. Presenting it to Columbia, who holds the flag to the heaven represents the United States of America.
The monument was placed in 1911 and created by French sculptor Jean Marius Antonin Mercie.
An interesting building stands next to the monument. With three gilded domes, this previous Jewish synagogue is now the home for the The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland. Also of historical significance, this Mason lodge traces its history back to 1784. Originating in New England, Prince Hall became the father of black stone masonry.
Notable members of this mason’s lodge are the first African American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and James Hubert “Eubie” Blake, a composer, lyricist, and pianist who played ragtime, jazz, and popular music. In collaboration with arranger Noble Sissle, Blake wrote the Broadway Shuffle Along in 1921, the first Broadway musical ever written by African Americans. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the lodge in 1964 on behalf of President Johnson’s election campaign. (source: http://www.pennsylvaniaavenuebaltimore.com/attractions/grandlodge.html).
“The statesman’s task is to hear God’s footsteps marching through history, and to try and catch on to His coattails as He marches past. ” ― Otto von Bismarck
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Baltimore, history, travel, War of 1812
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
What a sight! Very cool Emily!
Thanks Phil ! Totally stumbled on this during a quick trip to the city. What a find.
Amazing photos, excellent captured… 🙂
You are sweet Drake. Thank you.
Lovely combination of colour and black and white, and I enjoyed the history accompanying the images!
Truly appreciate your kind comment. So happy you liked this one.
Never heard of this person. Beautiful pictures and explanation to go with it. Learned something today. Thank you.
That’s wonderful that you got to learn about Francis Scott Key. It’s a great story. You can learn a little more by this post.
http://bellaremyphotography.com/2012/04/27/o-say-can-you-see/
Your photos are wonderful as illustration for the mini history lesson!
You are so sweet Jerry. I think I overprocessed the first one – color. Need to tone down the sharpness a bit. What do you think?
It looked fine to me the first time, and still does. Is that some kind of a test to trick me? Or is it because I have been looking at photos on other blogs that are so grossly over-processed that I don’t notice minor tweaks any longer?
Oh no..not at all a test. I really wanted to hear your opinion on what you thought. After I sent it up to WP, I decided I didn’t like the processing that much. Figured I could count on you to tell me the truth. 🙂
I didn’t know about the origines of the Star Spangled Banner, so this has been another history lesson for me. Thank you.
Oh Fatima ! It’s a wonderful story. Because of Perpetua and you, a field trip to the flag house is now due. You can learn a little more here.
http://bellaremyphotography.com/2012/04/27/o-say-can-you-see/
Great captures of this cool monument and architecture. Is this in Baltimore?
Yep, sure it. Eutaw street. It was a total accident I discovered it.
I love those kinds of accidents. Thanks for sharing.
Love that type of stone, the color is so dry and sandy. Looovely pics!
Thank you so much ! Got to admit, that marble was pretty special.
What a spectacular memorial, Emily. Your photos are stunning, as usual. 🙂