St. John's College in Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Francis Scott Key
1814 - 1914
Photographed by F. Robby, January 28, 2008
1. Francis Scott Key Marker
1780 - 1843
Class of 1796
Author of
The Star-Spangled Banner
In loving memory of her distinguished son whose eulogy is written in the heart of this nation and whose fame has spread throughout the world.
Erected 1914 by Alumni Association of St. John's College.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Patriots & Patriotism • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1814.
Location. 38° 58.889′ N, 76° 29.475′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. It is in St. John's College. It can be reached from the intersection of College Avenue (Maryland Route 450) and Prince George Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is attached to the front wall of McDowell Hall, about 250 feet north of College Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Annapolis MD 21401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: King William's School (here, next to this marker); Alexander Magruder (within shouting distance of this marker); This Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated to you, a free citizen in a free land (within shouting distance of this marker); For Civilization Liberty Country (within shouting distance of this marker); Take a Tour of St. John's CollegeSteeped in United States and Maryland History (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Take a Tour of St. John's CollegeSteeped in United States and Maryland History (about 300 feet away); Liberty Tree (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Annapolis.
Another marker is no longer nearby. St. John's College (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, June 11, 2013
2. Francis Scott Key Marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 12, 2017
3. Francis Scott Key
This c. 1796 portrait of Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) by Rembrandt Peale hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
“On September 13, 1814, as the War of 1812 embarked on its third year, Francis Scott Key, an established Georgetown lawyer, traveled to Baltimore to negotiate the release of a hostage. Upon boarding a ship in the city's harbor, he was detained by British forces during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, which lasted into the night. The next morning, Key saw the fort's American flag had not been removed. Inspired by the sight, he wrote the poem Defence of Fort McHenry which was set to a British tune and subsequently renamed The Star-Spangled Banner. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson began playing the song at official events, and in 1931, Congress adopted it as the national anthem.
This painting was made when Key and the artist Rembrandt Peale were young men. Key graduated from college in 1796, and Peale, a son of the renowned Philadelphia artist Charles Willson Peale, had recently shadowed his father during a portrait session with George Washington.” – National Portrait Gallery
“On September 13, 1814, as the War of 1812 embarked on its third year, Francis Scott Key, an established Georgetown lawyer, traveled to Baltimore to negotiate the release of a hostage. Upon boarding a ship in the city's harbor, he was detained by British forces during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, which lasted into the night. The next morning, Key saw the fort's American flag had not been removed. Inspired by the sight, he wrote the poem Defence of Fort McHenry which was set to a British tune and subsequently renamed The Star-Spangled Banner. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson began playing the song at official events, and in 1931, Congress adopted it as the national anthem.
This painting was made when Key and the artist Rembrandt Peale were young men. Key graduated from college in 1796, and Peale, a son of the renowned Philadelphia artist Charles Willson Peale, had recently shadowed his father during a portrait session with George Washington.” – National Portrait Gallery
Photographed by F. Robby, January 28, 2008
4. McDowell Hall
View of McDowell Hall from College Avenue. Marker is attached to the front of this building.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, June 11, 2013
5. National Historic District
Historic Annapolis Inc.
Site & Building Survey
Historic Annapolis Inc.
Site & Building Survey
Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2008, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,292 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 15, 2008, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on February 15, 2008, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 5. submitted on June 4, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
