Multimedia Release: Coast Guard sets historic Francis Scott Key buoy on Patapsco River in Baltimore for 40th year

Multimedia Release

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Public Affairs North Coast Guard PA Detachment Baltimore, Md Office: (410) 576-2541 Coast Guard PA Detachment Atlantic City, NJ Office: (609) 813-3888 After Hours: (757) 295-8435 D5 Public Affairs North online newsroom

Coast Guard sets historic Francis Scott Key buoy on Patapsco River in Baltimore for 40th year

 

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BALTIMORE — The crew Coast Guard Cutter James Rankin set the Francis Scott Key memorial buoy on the Patapsco River, Monday morning.

The specially designed star-spangled buoy marks the approximate location where Francis Scott Key wrote The country’s National Anthem while trying to facilitate the release of a prisoner being held on a British ship during the bombardment on Fort McHenry in 1814.

The buoy, which sits between the Francis Scott Key Bridge and Fort McHenry, is set every summer and removed just before the winter. It has been an attraction for boaters and tourists for decades. 

"Our crew is proud to carry on this annual Coast Guard tradition in commissioning the Francis Scott Key Memorial Buoy,”  said Lt. Justin Strassfield, commanding officer of the James Rankin. “The operation allows us to reflect on the distinctly American spirit of resiliency.” 

The Coast Guard has been responsible for the buoy's seasonal schedule and maintenance since 1980.

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