What event inspired Frances Scott key to write the star spangled banner?

Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 on September 13-14, 1814. He was aboard a British ship negotiating the release of a prisoner and observed the relentless attack on the fort. When he saw the American flag still flying over the fort at dawn, it symbolized resilience and inspired him to pen the poem that would later become the national anthem.