One of the greatest mysteries facing historians about the Star-Spangled Banner is why it was altered. Investigate these recently unearthed primary sources to see if you can answer this question. After you have examined them in detail, decide what you think is the answer to the question. Remember, some of the primary sources may not help you answer the question. Finally, compare your answer to what a Smithsonian historian says about the same primary sources by clicking "What the Historian Says."

 The Star-Spangled Banner in 1907
 Letter written by Georgiana Armistead Appleton June 17, 1873
 Letter written by Georgiana Armistead Appleton February 18, 1873
 What the Historian Says
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