Francis Scott Key, American lawyer, author, and songwriter (b. 1779)

Francis Scott Key (August 1, 1779 – January 11, 1843) was a prominent American figure, recognized primarily as a lawyer, author, and amateur poet from Frederick, Maryland. His enduring legacy is inextricably linked to his authorship of the lyrics for the United States' national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The Birth of the National Anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner"

Key's pivotal moment occurred during the War of 1812, a significant conflict between the United States and Great Britain. In September 1814, Key found himself aboard a British ship in Baltimore Harbor, where he had been negotiating the release of a civilian doctor. From this vantage point, he witnessed the intense, 25-hour British bombardment of Fort McHenry, a critical defense point for Baltimore.

As dawn broke on September 14, 1814, a profound sense of relief and inspiration swept over Key when he observed the American flag—a massive 30 by 42-foot garrison flag—still valiantly flying over the fort, signaling the successful defense against the British naval assault. This powerful sight moved him to immediately pen a poem, originally titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry."

Within a week of its creation, Key's poem was published, with the explicit suggestion that its stirring verses be sung to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven." This was a popular 18th-century British drinking song, composed by John Stafford Smith for the Anacreontic Society, a gentlemen's amateur musical society in London. The combination of Key's patriotic lyrics and the familiar melody quickly resonated with the American public. The song soon became widely known as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and gradually gained traction as an unofficial anthem for over a century. Its journey to official recognition culminated much later, on March 3, 1931, when President Herbert Hoover signed an act of Congress formally designating "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the national anthem of the United States.

When did Francis Scott Key write "The Star-Spangled Banner"?

He penned the poem, originally titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry," on September 14, 1814, after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

When did "The Star-Spangled Banner" become the official national anthem?

It was officially designated as the national anthem on March 3, 1931, by an act of Congress signed by President Herbert Hoover.

Francis Scott Key's Distinguished Legal and Public Service Career

Beyond his poetic endeavors, Francis Scott Key maintained a highly respected and active legal career spanning four decades in both Maryland and Washington D.C. His professional life saw him involved in several significant legal proceedings of his time.

Key participated in notable cases, including assisting the prosecution in the infamous Burr conspiracy trial in 1807, which involved former Vice President Aaron Burr. He frequently argued before the highest court in the land, appearing before the Supreme Court of the United States on at least seven occasions. His legal acumen and public service were further recognized when President Andrew Jackson nominated him for the prestigious position of District Attorney for the District of Columbia. He served in this capacity from 1833 to 1841, overseeing legal matters for the nation's capital.

Throughout his life, Key was also a devout Episcopalian, a significant aspect of his personal convictions and public persona.

A Complex Legacy: Francis Scott Key and Slavery

Francis Scott Key's personal history and public actions regarding slavery present a complex and often contradictory aspect of his legacy. He owned enslaved people from 1800, a practice that drew sharp criticism and irony from abolitionists of his era, who frequently ridiculed his patriotic verses. They pointed out the stark contrast between his soaring declaration of America as the "Land of the Free" and the reality of human bondage, caustically retorting that it was more accurately the "Home of the Oppressed."

As District Attorney for the District of Columbia, Key took actions to suppress abolitionist activities. He notably sought grand jury indictments against prominent abolitionists, including Benjamin Lundy and Reuben Crandall, for distributing anti-slavery literature. He did not advocate for the immediate abolition of slavery, reflecting the prevailing views of many prominent white Americans of his time who struggled with the nation's foundational ideals versus its economic realities.

Key was also a prominent leader and active member of the American Colonization Society (ACS), an organization founded in 1816. The ACS promoted the controversial idea of sending freed African Americans to Africa, primarily to the colony of Liberia, as a proposed solution to the complex issues of race and slavery in America. While the ACS was viewed by some as a benevolent effort to end slavery, it was also criticized by many abolitionists who saw it as a means to remove free black people from American society and strengthen the institution of slavery.

Despite his public stances and slave ownership, Key's personal actions were not without their own contradictions. In the 1830s, he freed some of his own enslaved individuals and even paid one former slave to work as his farm foreman. He publicly expressed criticism of the institution of slavery, calling it a "great moral evil." Furthermore, he offered free legal representation to some enslaved people seeking their freedom, demonstrating a degree of personal compassion and a willingness to use his legal skills to aid individuals in bondage. However, he simultaneously represented owners seeking to reclaim runaway slaves, illustrating the deep moral dilemmas and legal entanglements surrounding slavery in 19th-century America.

Did Francis Scott Key own slaves?

Yes, Francis Scott Key owned enslaved people from 1800. This aspect of his life has led to considerable historical debate and scrutiny, particularly in contrast to the ideals expressed in "The Star-Spangled Banner."

What was the American Colonization Society?

The American Colonization Society (ACS) was an organization Francis Scott Key was a leader of. Founded in 1816, its primary goal was to repatriate free African Americans to Africa, which led to the establishment of Liberia.