Historical milestones commemorated on September 13

September 13 marks several significant historical milestones. In 1500, Michelangelo began carving his masterpiece, the statue of David. The 5.17-meter marble sculpture, which depicts the biblical figure, became a symbol of human strength and the Florentine Republic.

In 1609, English explorer Henry Hudson reached the Hudson River, a location that would later become the site of New York City.

Additionally, on the night of September 13, 1814, during the British attack on Baltimore, Francis Scott Key witnessed the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry. This event inspired him to write the lyrics to 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' which officially became the United States national anthem in 1931.