American Ride Season 7 Episode 7 Baltimore: The Star-Spangled City

The seventh season of American Ride takes viewers on a journey through the history of the United States. Each episode explores a different city or region and the events that took place there. In this episode, titled "Baltimore: The Star-Spangled City," host Stan Ellsworth examines the history of Baltimore, Maryland and its role in the War of 1812.

The episode opens with Ellsworth standing in front of the Francis Scott Key Monument in Baltimore. Key is the author of the United States' national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," and the monument was erected in his honor in the 1880s. Ellsworth explains that Key was inspired to write the anthem after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

Ellsworth then takes viewers on a tour of Baltimore, visiting several landmarks and sites that played important roles in the War of 1812. One of the first stops is the Flag House, where Mary Pickersgill sewed the massive American flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the bombardment. Ellsworth explains that Pickersgill was a skilled seamstress who was commissioned by the United States government to create the flag.

Next, Ellsworth visits Fort McHenry itself, which is now a National Monument and Historic Shrine. He gives a brief history of the War of 1812 and the events that led up to the bombardment of the fort, highlighting the role that Baltimore played in the conflict. He also explains the significance of the "dawn's early light" referenced in Key's poem that became the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The episode then shifts to a discussion of Baltimore's role in the civil rights movement. Ellsworth visits the site of the Baltimore Riot of 1968, which occurred in the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. He explains that the riot was one of many that took place across the United States during this time, and that it had a significant impact on the city of Baltimore.

Finally, Ellsworth visits Fort McHenry again at night, where he witnesses a reenactment of the bombardment with fireworks and pyrotechnics. He reflects on the power of the national anthem and its enduring message of freedom and perseverance.

Overall, "Baltimore: The Star-Spangled City" is a fascinating exploration of Baltimore's rich history and its role in some of the most significant events in American history. Through his engaging storytelling and expert historical knowledge, Stan Ellsworth brings the city to life and reminds viewers of the enduring importance of the United States' national anthem.