Francis Scott Key

Originally Aired: February 2, 1938 In Cavalcade of America #120, "Francis Scott Key," the story traces the life of the man who would pen America's national anthem, from his childhood in Maryland to the fateful moment of inspiration. The episode opens in 1791 at the Key family mansion in Terra Roubre, where 12-year-old Francis, his sister Anne, and neighbor Barbara Fritchie present flowers to General George Washington during his visit. As Francis grows to manhood, he marries Mary Lloyd and becomes a lawyer in Georgetown, establishing himself in partnership with his uncle. During a celebratory dinner with friends Dr. Beans and Roger Brooks Tonny, the Keys honor Stephen Decatur's naval victory at Tripoli. When the field hands arrive to sing for the guests, Francis becomes inspired and scribbles verses on an envelope. He shares his composition commemorating the Tripoli victory, set to the tune "To Anacreon in Heaven," featuring the striking phrase "star-spangled flag." This moment reveals that a decade before writing the famous words during the War of 1812, Key was already crafting patriotic verses using the imagery and melody that would define his legacy.