# Francis Scott Key

> American lawyer and poet who wrote The Star-Spangled Banner (1779-1843)

**Wikidata**: [Q320633](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q320633)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Scott_Key)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/francis-scott-key

## Summary
Francis Scott Key was an American lawyer and poet (1779–1843) best known for writing *The Star-Spangled Banner*, the national anthem of the United States. His patriotic poem, inspired by the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, became a symbol of American resilience and unity.

## Biography
- Born: January 1, 1779, in Frederick County, Maryland, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: St. John's College (Annapolis, Maryland)
- Known for: Writing *The Star-Spangled Banner*, the U.S. national anthem
- Employer(s): Practiced law in Baltimore, Maryland; affiliated with St. John's College
- Field(s): Law, poetry, patriotism

## Contributions
Francis Scott Key's most significant contribution was the composition of *The Star-Spangled Banner* in 1814. The poem, written during the Battle of Fort McHenry, was set to music by John Stafford Smith and later adopted as the U.S. national anthem in 1931. His work symbolized American defiance and national pride, particularly during times of war and national crisis. Additionally, Key served as a lawyer and held various civic roles, including membership in the American Colonization Society, which advocated for the colonization of freed African Americans in Liberia.

## FAQs
**What is Francis Scott Key most famous for?**
Francis Scott Key is most famous for writing *The Star-Spangled Banner*, the national anthem of the United States. His poem, inspired by the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, became a enduring symbol of American patriotism.

**Where did Francis Scott Key study?**
Francis Scott Key studied at St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland. His education at the college provided him with a strong foundation in law and literature, which influenced his later career and poetic works.

**What was Francis Scott Key's profession?**
Francis Scott Key was a lawyer by profession. He practiced law in Baltimore, Maryland, and held significant civic roles, including membership in the American Colonization Society.

**When was *The Star-Spangled Banner* written?**
*The Star-Spangled Banner* was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the Battle of Fort McHenry. The poem was later set to music by John Stafford Smith and adopted as the U.S. national anthem in 1931.

**What organizations was Francis Scott Key affiliated with?**
Francis Scott Key was affiliated with St. John's College and the American Colonization Society. His membership in the latter organization reflected his support for the colonization of freed African Americans in Liberia.

## Why They Matter
Francis Scott Key matters because his poem *The Star-Spangled Banner* became the enduring national anthem of the United States. His work symbolized American resilience and unity during a critical period in the nation's history. The anthem's adoption in 1931 cemented its place as a cultural and patriotic icon, resonating with generations of Americans. Additionally, Key's legal career and civic involvement demonstrated his commitment to public service and national identity. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and unify a nation.

## Notable For
- Writing *The Star-Spangled Banner*, the U.S. national anthem (1814)
- Being a member of the American Colonization Society, advocating for the colonization of freed African Americans in Liberia
- Practicing law in Baltimore, Maryland, and holding significant civic roles
- Being educated at St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland
- Having his poem adopted as the U.S. national anthem in 1931

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Francis Scott Key was born on January 1, 1779, in Frederick County, Maryland, United States. He attended St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, where he developed a strong foundation in law and literature. His education at St. John's College provided him with the intellectual and moral grounding that would later influence his poetic and legal careers.

### Legal Career and Civic Involvement
Key practiced law in Baltimore, Maryland, and held various civic roles. His legal career allowed him to contribute to the legal system while also engaging in public service. He was a member of the American Colonization Society, an organization that advocated for the colonization of freed African Americans in Liberia. His involvement with the society reflected his commitment to national identity and the advancement of African American rights.

### Composition of *The Star-Spangled Banner*
In 1814, during the Battle of Fort McHenry, Key witnessed the American flag still flying over the fort despite the British bombardment. Inspired by this sight, he wrote *The Star-Spangled Banner*, a poem that would later become the U.S. national anthem. The poem's powerful imagery and patriotic themes resonated deeply with Americans, making it a symbol of national pride and resilience.

### Adoption as the National Anthem
*The Star-Spangled Banner* was set to music by John Stafford Smith and later adopted as the U.S. national anthem in 1931. Its adoption marked a significant moment in American cultural history, solidifying its place as a patriotic icon. The anthem's lyrics and melody continue to be performed and celebrated across the United States, representing the nation's enduring spirit and unity.

### Legacy and Influence
Francis Scott Key's legacy endures as a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and unify a nation. His work, *The Star-Spangled Banner*, remains a cultural and patriotic symbol, resonating with Americans of all backgrounds. Additionally, his legal career and civic involvement demonstrated his commitment to public service and national identity. Key's influence extends beyond his literary contributions, shaping the cultural and political landscape of the United States.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. The Peerage
4. Genealogics
5. Library of the World's Best Literature
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. CiNii Research
8. MusicBrainz
9. SNAC
10. Internet Broadway Database
11. Find a Grave
12. International Music Score Library Project
13. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. GeneaStar
16. Proleksis Encyclopedia
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. ['Land of the Free?' Francis Scott Key, Composer of National Anthem, Was Defender of Slavery. 2012](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/francis-scott-key_b_1645878)
19. Snow-Storm in August. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. 2013
20. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index9.html)
21. BBC Things
22. ISWC Network