Francis Scott Key

1779-1843

Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics for "The Star Spangled Banner", the national anthem of the United States of America.  He was inspired by the American flag flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor after a night of bombardment by the British during the War of 1812.  Key was a lawyer and a poet who also wrote "The Power of Literature and Its Connection with Religion", and "Poems" which was published over twelve years after his death.  The lyrics to the national anthem were originally written as a poem, and did not become the national anthem until 1931.