History of the American Flag Celebrated at A Capitol Fourth

The National Museum of American History continues preservation efforts on the 1814 garrison flag that inspired 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:39pm

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A photorealistic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting the 1814 garrison flag from Fort McHenry in a warm, cinematic lighting, with the flag's folds and textures rendered in exquisite detail, conveying a sense of historical significance and the museum's preservation efforts.The National Museum of American History's meticulous preservation of the iconic 1814 garrison flag ensures this symbol of American resilience and pride remains a tangible link to the nation's storied past.Arlington Today

Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design, and arrangement of the American flag, adding stars and stripes to reflect the admission of each new state. Today, the flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes and 50 stars, with the colors symbolizing hardiness, valor, purity, innocence, vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The National Museum of American History has undertaken a long-term preservation project of the enormous 1814 garrison flag that survived the shelling of Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key's famous poem.

Why it matters

The American flag is a powerful national symbol, and its history and preservation are important to understanding the country's evolution. The ongoing conservation efforts at the National Museum of American History help ensure this iconic flag remains a tangible link to the nation's past and an inspiration for future generations.

The details

The flag currently on display at the National Museum of American History is the enormous 1814 garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the British bombardment, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' The flag has become soiled and weakened over time and was removed from the museum in 1998 to undergo a meticulous preservation process. This includes storing the flag at a 10-degree angle in a special low-oxygen, filtered light chamber and regularly examining it at a microscopic level to detect any signs of decay or damage.

  • The flag was removed from the National Museum of American History in December 1998 to begin the preservation process.
  • The preservation effort began in earnest in June 1999 and continues to this day.

The players

National Museum of American History

The Smithsonian museum that houses the 1814 garrison flag that inspired 'The Star-Spangled Banner' and has undertaken a long-term preservation project to protect this iconic artifact.

Francis Scott Key

The American lawyer, author, and amateur poet who witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814 and was inspired to write the poem that became the national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'

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What’s next

The National Museum of American History will continue its meticulous preservation efforts on the 1814 garrison flag, regularly examining it and maintaining the specialized storage environment to ensure this iconic symbol of American history is protected for generations to come.

The takeaway

The preservation of the 1814 garrison flag at the National Museum of American History is a testament to the enduring significance of the American flag as a national symbol. This ongoing conservation effort helps safeguard a tangible link to the country's past and ensures this historic artifact can continue to inspire patriotism and pride in the American people.