George Armistead-- Part 1: Commander of Fort McHenry

Well, what about the commander of Fort McHenry, the one who wanted the giant garrison flag which became "The Star-Spangled Banner?"

From Find-A-Grave.

Born 10 April 1780 in Caroline County, Virginia.

Death 25 April 1818 (age 38)  Baltimore County, Maryland

Buried Old St. Pauls Cemetery, Baltimore.

United States Army Officer.  Served as Major and commander of Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland.  He was in command of the Fort in the War of 1812 when the British unsuccessfully attempted to force its capitulation by a naval artillery bombardment.

The attack was witnessed by Francis Scott Key, who immortalized it in the words of "The Star-Spangled Banner."  Major Armistead was the uncle of Civil War Confederate General Lewis Armistead, who is buried next to him.

--Brock-Perry