FRANCIS SCOTT KEY MANSION
The Francis Scott Key Mansion, at Georgetown, stands remodeled as a store building on old Bridge Street, now M Street, one-half block from the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Originally it was a 3-story “colonial” brick building, which stood there as such until about the year 1917, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge was built to replace the old Aqueduct Bridge.
Entering the front door at the left of the building, there was a spacious hall extending through the entire house. At the right of the hall were two large parlors. In the basement was the dining room, kitchen, and “cold room,” a room bricked up and used as a refrigerator and pantry. In the second story were two large bedrooms and a large hall. The third story contained four bedrooms. The window frames were small, 4 by 6 inches, supported in heavy sashes, as was the custom in building such houses.
In the rear of the house was a beautiful garden, which sloped gracefully to the river. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal was later built through it. This area is now occupied by factories, warehouses, and store buildings.
FRANCIS SCOTT KEY HOUSE
Mr. Key, an attorney and poet, lived here with his family many years, and resided here at the time of the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Near by was his law office, a little brick building.
HOUSE OF THE EARLY DAYS IN GEORGETOWN ON OLD BRIDGE (M) STREET
In 1814, while the British fleet was in Chesapeake Bay, Mr. Key attempted to secure the release of his friend Dr. William Beane, of Marlboro, Md., who had been captured. He was held on shipboard during the shelling of Fort McHenry on the night of September 13. Key’s anxiety became intense. With the first approach of dawn Mr. Key turned his eyes in the direction of the fort and its flag, but darkness had given place to a heavy fog. Finally, through a vista in the smoke and vapor he could dimly see the flag of his country. Overjoyed and inspired by the sight, he composed The Star-Spangled Banner. This is now our national anthem by an act of Congress approved March 3, 1931, as follows:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the composition consisting of words and music known as The Star-Spangled Banner is designated the national anthem of the United States of America.
The historic flag that flew over Fort McHenry is on exhibition at the Historical Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.