Georgetown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Window on Washington
Francis Scott Key Memorial
Rock Creek Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
In 1805, Francis Scott key, his family, and their enslaved servants moved into a two-story brick house 200 feet from here. A rising lawyer, Key had a small addition next to his home that served as his law office. During the next 25 years, Key both made and witnessed history in and around the nation's capital.
Key was involved in cases defending leading politicians and their associates against charges of treason, scandal and assault. He defended African Americans in court, in some cases for free. Some even called him "the Black's lawyer." He publicly opposed slavery but also opposed total abolition.
Although Key dominated the legal scene of Washington, DC, he is best known for what he wrote outside the courtroom. Seeing the American flag waving over Fort McHenry after a failed British attack in 1814, he wrote a four-verse poem that became the National Anthem of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.
Location. 38° 54.285′ N, 77° 4.08′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Francis Scott Key Park … a place to reflect (here, next to this marker); An Industrial Georgetown (within shouting distance of this marker); Forrest Marbury House (within shouting distance of this marker); Francis Scott Key Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Halcyon House (within shouting distance of this marker); Houses With A Prospect (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Halcyon House (about 400 feet away); How High is the River? (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This marker is part of a set of markers which replaced the linked set.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 10, 2023
3. Nearby sign for the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on December 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 40 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
