Francis Scott Key

Francis Scott Key (August 1, 1779 – January 11, 1843) was a lawyer and author who composed the lyrics to the American national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Background
During the War of 1812, Key witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in September 1814. Key saw the American flag still flying over the fort after the bombs stopped the next day, and was inspired to write the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which was later adapted into "The Star-Spangled Banner" using the tune of a British gentleman's club song. "The Star-Spangled Banner" was used as an unofficial anthem before Herbert Hoover signed legislation that made it official in 1931.

Appearances
Francis Scott Key is mentioned in Fallout 3 and