History of Francis Scott Key in Timeline

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Francis Scott Key

Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and poet from Maryland, is renowned for writing the lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner," the American national anthem. Witnessing the British attack on Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, he was moved by the sight of the American flag still waving at daybreak. This inspired his poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry," set to the tune of a popular song. The song gradually gained recognition as an unofficial anthem, eventually becoming official over a century later.

1931: The Star-Spangled Banner is Officially Adopted as the National Anthem

In 1931, over a century after its initial publication, "The Star-Spangled Banner", a song originally written by Francis Scott Key, was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States by an Act of Congress signed by President Herbert Hoover.

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1937: Misattributed Quote About Race in Key's Biography Causes Confusion

A 1937 biography of Key by Edward S. Delaplaine mistakenly attributed a quote about Black people to Key, causing confusion about his views on race. The quote, taken from a letter Key wrote in 1838, actually describes the attitudes of others toward Black people, not Key's own beliefs.

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1947: Francis Scott Key Residence Dismantled

Despite efforts to save it, the former residence of Francis Scott Key, located at 3516–18 M Street in Georgetown, was dismantled in 1947.

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