The poem that evolved into the American national anthem originated as a broadside titled Defence of Fort M'Henry, written by Francis Scott Key on the back of a letter following a 25-hour bombardment. Key observed the conflict from a truce ship in 1814 after failing to secure the release of a friend held by the British military.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1779 at the Terra Rubra plantation in Frederick County, Maryland, Francis Scott Key was the son of John Ross Key and Ann Phoebe Dagworthy Charlton. He graduated from St. John's College in 1796 and later studied law under his uncle, Philip Barton Key. In 1802, he married Mary Tayloe Lloyd, with whom he raised 11 children at their residence in Georgetown.
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Key maintained a legal practice in Maryland and Washington, D.C., for four decades. He argued cases before the Supreme Court starting in 1807 and assisted in the Burr conspiracy trial. Nominated by President Andrew Jackson, Key served as the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia from 1833 to 1841. During his tenure, he prosecuted Richard Lawrence for the 1835 assassination attempt on President Jackson.
Stance on Slavery
Key was a member of the American Colonization Society and owned slaves from 1800 until his death in 1843. His record was contradictory; he provided legal aid to slaves seeking freedom while also representing owners of runaway slaves. As District Attorney, he prosecuted abolitionists, including a 1836 case against Reuben Crandall. He freed several slaves during the 1830s, one of whom remained as his farm foreman.
The Anthem and Legacy
Following the War of 1812, Key's manuscript was set to the tune of To Anacreon in Heaven. Although it gained popularity over the 19th century, it was not officially adopted as the national anthem until 1931. A devout member of the Episcopal Church, Key died in 1843 and is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1779, Terra Rubra
- Died: 1843, Baltimore
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: St. John's College
- Key Position: United States Attorney for the District of Columbia (1833-1841)
- Notable Work: The Star-Spangled Banner
- Award: Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Religion: Episcopal Church
Questions readers ask
What was Key's profession?
He was a lawyer, poet, writer, and lyricist who served as a district attorney.
Did Key own slaves?
Yes, he owned slaves from 1800 until his death in 1843 and was a leader of the American Colonization Society.
Achievements
- Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Notable work: Defence of Fort McHenry
- Notable work: The Star-Spangled Banner
- Educated at St. John's College
- Worked as poet, lawyer and writer
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