The Key Bridge was not only an efficient and safe means for transportation, but the rich and patriotic history behind the bridge’s construction is truly remarkable.
In Baltimore, 1812, the U.S. was threatened by the British by a failed bombardment attempt on a crucial port in the city. Due to its impeccable defenses, the twenty-five hour ambush did nothing but scratch the U.S. This failed attempt ended up being a huge turning point for the war, and the two parties involved ended up reaching a peace agreement that same year.
Key, an American lawyer, witnessed the entire bombing from the safety of a British ship, where the negotiating of the release of an American prisoner was taking place. He felt so incredibly inspired by the rising of the flag the morning after to write what is now The National Anthem.
After several failed concepts and designs, millions of dollars, and trial and error, the bridge was finally built, and was named after Francis Scott Key himself. Construction finished sometime in 1977, and was quickly becoming a very vital street to Baltimore. Millions of people daily were using this bridge for day to day travel. On top of this, hazardous materials were also transferred through this bridge, since their passage isn’t allowed in tunnels.
Unfortunately, as of March 26, 2024, the key bridge collapsed after its collision with a cargo ship. A total of six people were reported missing, and are now presumably dead. No one knows what caused the ship to hit the bridge, but people won’t rest until we find out.
