Media Availability: Coast Guard to set historic Francis Scott Key Memorial Buoy in Patapsco River

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Public Affairs North D5 Public Affairs North, Baltimore, Md Office: (410) 576-2541 After Hours: (757) 295-8435 D5 Public Affairs North online newsroom

Media Availability: Coast Guard to set historic Francis Scott Key Memorial Buoy in Patapsco River

 

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard Cutter William Tate’s crew is scheduled to set the historic Francis Scott Key Memorial Buoy, Wednesday, in the Patapsco River near the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The specially designed star-spangled buoy marks the approximate location where Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1914 from an American truce ship. Following the Battle of Baltimore, Key witnessed the rising of Fort McHenry’s large garrison flag over the ramparts and was inspired to write lyrics that would later become the U.S. national anthem.

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

 

WHO: The crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter William Tate, a 175-foot Keeper class buoy tender homeported in Philadelphia.

 

WHAT: Media is invited to view the Francis Scott Key Memorial Buoy being placed in the Patapsco River where Key wrote the national anthem’s lyrics from aboard an anchored ship during The Battle of Baltimore in 1814. 

 

WHEN: Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 10 a.m.

 

WHERE: From aboard the Coast Guard Cutter William Tate, which will depart from The Coast Guard Yard, 2401 Hawkins Point Road, Curtis Bay. 

 

Media interested in viewing the buoy setting from aboard the William Tate must RSVP with Public Affairs Detachment Baltimore by 4 p.m. Tuesday at 757-295-8435 or by e-mailing USCGD5PublicAffairs@gmail.com. Due to limited space aboard the cutter, RSVPs will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Vetted media must arrive at the Coast Guard Yard no later than 9 a.m. for base parking and access to the cutter.

 

-USCG-