Backdrop for the Star Spangled Banner: A Look at Some Key Events Leading Up to the 'Land of the Free & the Home of the Brave'

What was life like for Americans who lived, fought, and perhaps died in and around Maryland during the French and Indian War? The American Revolution? The War of 1812? What effect did those events have on the destiny of a young nation? Who was this man that wrote the song that brings all United States citizens to their feet, hats in hand, snapping off sharp salutes or standing with hands over hearts? This book provides some possible answers to those questions.

Arthur Bauman was born in Youngstown, Ohio, received a degree in Geology and Anthropology from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, in 1977. He is an engineer for Kiewit Western Construction, a position that has allowed him to travel extensively throughout the United States. Bauman is an avid history buff and wherever he works, he looks for the footprints of history that played a vital role in the development of this country. His previous books include "Life and Times of Oliver Hazard Perry," which is about one episode of the War of 1812 during the Battle of Lake Erie. Perry penned the now-famous line: "We have met the enemy and they are ours." Bauman also wrote and published "The Adventures of Captain John Smith," which covers Smith's adventures into the obscure area of the Carpathian Mountains in the Hungarian Alps in Southeastern Europe, an area known as Transylvania. Smith later made his way to North America where he was involved with the Virginia Colony Land Company, and instrumental in the formation of Jamestown Colony. His latest book "Expansion into the Connecticut Western Reserve," provides a brief look at the events leading up to and including the westward movement of early American settlers specifically the northeastern corner of Ohio.