During the War of 1812, the bombardment of Baltimore, Maryland took place September 13-14, 1814. Dr. William Beanes was held prisoner aboard the British flagship of Vice Admiral Edward Cochrane. Francis Scott Key and John Skinner were charged with obtaining his release, which was granted. In the process, the three were detained and witnessed the bombing of Fort McHenry. This inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the words to the Star Spangled Banner, which became the nation's anthem. Dr. Beanes, a Revolutionary War Patriot and surgeon to the troops, returned to his home, Academy Hill, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He was one of the founders of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, now the College of Medicine of Maryland, and lived out his days as a respected medical doctor and distinguished scientist.