Francis Key Scott was a lawyer initially opposed to the 1812 war with Great Britain. After the British burned the White House in Washington DC, however, he became more supportive of the war. On September 13, 1814, Francis Key Scott rowed to a British warship to try and negotiate the release of some American prisoners. The British held him on the boat while they began to blast Fort McHenry, which was visible in the distance. For hours the British aimed rockets and shells at the fort. As dawn neared, Scott squinted through the smoke to try and see the fort. As he peered through the smoke, he saw the American flag still standing. The British attack had failed and Baltimore was saved. Inspired by the view, Francis penned this song.

