During the War of 1812, British soldiers attempted to capture Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. The fort's defenders, including a lawyer named Francis Scott Key, successfully repelled the attack, inspiring Key to write a poem titled "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The US flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the battle was a massive 30x42 foot flag, hand-sewn by Baltimore seamstress Mary Pickersgill. After the battle, the flag became a symbol of American resilience and patriotism. However, it wasn't until nearly a century later that the flag would undergo a significant transformation.

In 1914, as part of a fundraising effort for the American Red Cross, the flag was cut into small pieces by artist Charles W. Wyatt. Each piece was then mounted onto special certificates and sold to raise money for the organization. Wyatt's actions were controversial at the time, with many questioning the decision to cut up such a historic flag. Despite the criticism, Wyatt's efforts raised over $1 million for the Red Cross.

Despite the initial backlash, Wyatt was eventually honored for his creative fundraising idea. His unique approach to raising money for a charitable cause ultimately helped support the Red Cross's efforts to assist those in need.

Today, the Star-Spangled Banner flag that inspired Francis Scott Key's poem is housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The flag serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have defended the United States and the enduring spirit of the American people.

For more information on the history of the Star-Spangled Banner flag and the events surrounding its cutting, visit the Smithsonian's website at https://americanhistory.si.edu/exhibitions/flag-that-inspired-national-anthem.

In conclusion, Charles W. Wyatt's decision to cut the US flag into pieces for a fundraising effort may have been controversial at the time, but his innovative approach ultimately helped support a worthy cause. Wyatt's actions serve as a reminder of the power of creativity and ingenuity in raising awareness and funds for charitable organizations.

Sign Up