BALTIMORE — A container ship rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing it to snap and plunge into the river below. Several vehicles fell into the chilly waters, and rescuers searched for survivors.
Here is the history of the man the bridge is named for:
Who is Francis Scott Key?
Francis Scott Key, the man for whom the bridge carrying I-695 over Baltimore's Patapsco River was named, was an American lawyer, author and poet best-known for writing the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner," which officially became the national anthem of the United States in 1931.
Key was aboard the HMS Tonnant on September 7, 1814 negotiating with the British command for the release of a prisoner during the War of 1812. While Key was still negotiating, the British launched a 25-hour naval bombardment of Fort McHenry that lasted from the night of September 13 to the morning of September 14.
At dawn on September 14, Key noticed a large American flag was still flying over the fort. Inspired by the sight, he began writing a poem about his experience on the back of a letter he was carrying in his pocket. He finished the text to what became "The Star-Spangled Banner" two days later at the Indian Queen Hotel in Baltimore after returning to shore.
His poem, "The Defence of Fort M'Henry," was soon published in newspapers across the nation, set to the tune "Anacreon in Heaven," and re-named "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Born on August 1, 1779 in what is now Carroll County, Maryland, Key served as a prominent attorney in the Baltimore area for most of his life. He was involved in several notable cases, including the prosecution of former U.S. Auditor Tobias Watkins for misappropriation of funds and the defense of Sam Houston for his assault of U.S. Rep. William Stanbery.
Key was an advisor to President Andrew Jackson, who nominated him for District Attorney of the District of Columbia in 1833. He served in that position for eight years.
Key died of pleurisy at the home of his daughter, Elizabeth, in 1843. He is interred in his family's plot at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick.