Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) was an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet best known for writing the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States. He wrote the poem in 1814 after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Moved by the sight of the American flag still flying after the attack, he penned the verses originally titled "Defence of Fort M'Henry." The poem was later set to music and officially adopted as the national anthem in 1931. Key also served as a U.S. attorney and held strong views on religion and law, though his legacy is complicated by his support of slavery.