Discover the Unexpected: Top 10 Fun Facts About Francis Scott Key That Will Amaze You!

1. Legal Eagle Turned Lyricist

Cue the law and order theme song: it turns out our national anthem's author was more law-savvy than rhyme-savvy! Here's the real deal: Francis Scott Key was an accomplished lawyer who, during the Battle of Fort McHenry, sailed on a diplomatic mission to negotiate the release of a prisoner of war and ended up penning "The Star-Spangled Banner" after witnessing the American flag wave proudly over the fort.
Source => constitutioncenter.org

2. Key Witness in History

You might call Francis Scott Key a "Key Witness" in history's courtroom: He not only observed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, but also penned "The Star-Spangled Banner" after being inspired by the American flag that waved amidst the chaos, and his legal prowess helped secure the release of Dr. William Beanes as well.
Source => americacomesalive.com

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3. Celestial Locksmith & Flag Fanatic

Celestial locksmith by day, flag enthusiast by night: Francis Scott Key, the man behind the "Star-Spangled Banner," was not only a respected lawyer but also a devout Christian who served as a lay judge in his local church, his unwavering faith playing a keystone role in his life and love for justice.
Source => smithsonianmag.com

4. Anthem Hotcakes on a Whim

If stirring anthems were hotcakes, Francis Scott Key whipped up a batch on a whim: Unbeknownst to many, Key's penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was an impromptu affair, inspired by witnessing the American flag fly triumphantly over Fort McHenry after a grueling bombardment. Scribbling down the first verse on the back of a letter, Key later completed the four verses and had them published, leading to the song's widespread popularity during the War of 1812 and its eventual designation as the national anthem in 1931.
Source => amhistory.si.edu

5. Judicial Symphony Maestro

Fiddle-dee-dee and all rise for this judicial maestro! Who would have thought that Francis Scott Key, the veritable Beethoven of national anthems, once swapped the quill for the gavel? Alas, he did: One of America's most beloved songsters was also a highly respected judge and attorney in Maryland, appointed United States Attorney for the District of Columbia by President James Madison no less. His awe-inspiring legal virtuosity was on full display when he represented Sam Houston, charged with assaulting a Member of Congress, and though Houston was found guilty, Key's deft defense struck a chord and echoed through the halls of justice.
Source => govinfo.gov

6. High-Stakes Courtroom Drama

Before Francis Scott Key entered the "lyrical witness protection program" with his infamous "Star-Spangled Banner" gig, he was flexing his legal muscles and courtroom theatrics in some high-stakes trials: Key gained national fame as a hotshot lawyer in 1807, defending two alleged treasonous comrades of Aaron Burr, before later becoming the District Attorney for the District of Columbia from 1833 to 1841.
Source => nps.gov

7. Keeping Up With The Keys

While keeping up with the Keys might sound like a historic episode of America's favorite drama-laden reality television series, young Phil had drama that could give even a Kardashian a run for their money: Francis Scott Key's great-nephew, Philip Barton Key II, was fatally shot by Congressman Daniel Sickles in 1859 after an affair with Sickles' wife, leading to the first successful use of the temporary insanity defense in the United States.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. The Divine Poetic MC

With a lyrical soul and a penchant for penning hymns that would make even an atheist say "Hallelujah!", Francis Scott Key was the original divine MC of the early 19th century: This pious poet not only birthed "The Star-Spangled Banner" but also composed a litany of religious jams, such as "Before the Lord We Bow" (an expression of gratitude to God for America's blessings) and "Earth, Hear Thy Maker's Voice" (a call to repentance and faith).
Source => poetrynook.com

9. Grandson's Fortunate Feud

Talk about a fortuitous family feud: Francis Scott Key's grandson, Francis Key Howard, found himself "star-spangled" detained in the very same fort where his grandpa penned the famous anthem! The kicker: Howard earned his stay at Fort McHenry during the Civil War after writing an inflammatory editorial, only to be transferred amongst various other prisons later.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

10. Tuning into Higher Callings

Before he was "in the key" of the Star-Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key tuned into a higher calling: He served as vice president of the American Bible Society from a year after its inception until his death.
Source => news.americanbible.org