Francis Scott Key

Key, Francis Scott (1779–1843), U.S. poet and lawyer who wrote the words to the “Star-Spangled Banner” after witnessing the night bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British in Sept. 1814. It became the U.S. national anthem by act of Congress (1931). Key's works include The Power of Literature and Its Connection with Religion (1834) and Poems (1857).

See also: Star-spangled Banner.