Francis Scott Key

by Mary Ann Kelley

Francis Scott Key is known for writing the Star Spangled Banner, also known as the National Anthem of the United States. During the war of 1812, Key, a lawyer, was aboard the British ship HMS Tonnant negotiating the release of a political prisoner when the Battle of Baltimore broke out centered around Fort McHenry. At dawn the next day, Key reported seeing the American flag waving over Fort McHenry and had the inspiration to write a poem upon which the anthem is based. The song, based on Key's poem, was adopted as the United States national anthem in 1916 by Executive order from President Woodrow Wilson.

Born - August 1, 1779

Died - January 11, 1843


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Francis Scott Key, the Reluctant Patriot (Y, M, O, T)
From Smithsonian.com

Francis Scott Key (Y, M, O, T)
From the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Francis Scott Key (Y, M, O, T)
From Garden of Praise.com

Francis Scott Key (Y,M, O, T)
From NPS.gov

Star-Spangled Banner (Y,M,O,T)
From the American Treasures of the Library of Congress

Francis Scott Key 1780-1843 (Y,M,O,T)
From US Flag.org

The Star-Spangled Banner Lesson (Y,M,O,T)
From the National Park Service. "The Rockets' Red Glare": Francis Scott Key and the Bombardment of Fort McHenry

Francis Scott Key Biography (Y,M,O,T)
From Who2.com

Star Spangled Banner (Y,M,O,T)
From National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services. Lyrics and accompanying music.

Francis Scott Key (Y,M,O,T)
From Famous Why?