Francis Scott Key

Born: August 1, 1779
Died: January 11, 1843

Lawyer, poet who penned the national anthem of the
United States of America. His published works include
"The Power of Literature and Its Connection with
Religion" and the posthumous collection "Poems."

After the British attacked and set fire to both the Capitol
and the White House, a long night of battle ensued. When
daylight came, much to everyone's surprise, the flag was
still there. This led the amateur poet to write on the back
of a letter in his pocket the lines that would become central
to the national anthem. A Baltimore actor sang the new
song in a public performance the next month as
"The Star-spangled Banner" and it became a popular
patriotic song. In 1931 Congress enacted legislation
that made this the official national anthem. Key was
appointed the United States District Attorney and
appeared many times before the Supreme Court.

Lyrics