American lawyer, amateur poet. Born
1780, died
1843. During the [War of 1812]
?, Key was detained on a British ship during the battle for Fort McHenry
? in Baltimore, Maryland. Upon seeing the US flag still flying at dawn, he was inspired to write a poem celebrating the American victory. His poem was later set to music as "The Star-Spangled Banner", and was adopted as the American national anthem in
1931.