Podcast Episode 75
Francis Scott Key
with Marc Leepson & host Nick Walters
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What do you really know about Francis Scott Key? While nearly every American recognizes the words of "The Star-Spangled Banner," few know the fascinating story of the man who wrote them. In this episode of This Week in Christian History, host Nick Walters explores the life, faith, and legacy of Francis Scott Key with acclaimed historian and biographer Marc Leepson.
Key is remembered as the author of America's national anthem, but his life extended far beyond the famous poem he penned during the War of 1812. Born in 1779, Key became a respected attorney, poet, and public servant whose Christian faith shaped his personal life and public outlook. His most famous moment came during the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in September 1814, when he witnessed the American flag still flying after a night of relentless shelling. That sight inspired the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry," which eventually became "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Nick's conversation with Marc Leepson examines Key's upbringing, legal career, religious convictions, family life, and the historical controversies that continue to surround his legacy today. Rather than reducing him to a single patriotic moment, this discussion presents Francis Scott Key as a complex figure who lived during one of the most formative periods in American history.
Marc Leepson is a journalist, historian, and the author of What So Proudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life, the definitive modern biography of Key. In addition to his work on Francis Scott Key, Leepson has written extensively on American history, military history, Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson, and the American flag. Learn more about Marc Leepson and his books at [https://www.marcleepson.com/](https://www.marcleepson.com/).
Also on this week's episode:
November 27, 1095 – Pope Urban II Calls the First Crusade
When Pope Urban II addressed the Council of Clermont on November 27, 1095, he called upon Western Christians to aid the Byzantine Empire and reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control. His speech launched the First Crusade, one of the most consequential events of the Middle Ages. The Crusades reshaped relations between Christians and Muslims, altered European politics, expanded trade and cultural exchange, and continue to influence discussions of medieval history nearly a thousand years later.
October 18, 1646 – Isaac Jogues Is Martyred
Jesuit missionary Isaac Jogues devoted his life to sharing Christianity among the Indigenous peoples of northeastern North America. Captured by the Mohawk during the Beaver Wars, he endured torture before escaping to France. Remarkably, he returned to New France to continue his missionary work. On October 18, 1646, Jogues was killed while serving among the Mohawk, becoming one of the North American Martyrs. His story remains one of extraordinary courage, perseverance, and missionary commitment.
Whether you enjoy American history, church history, or biographies of influential Christians, this episode offers fresh insights into the people and events that have shaped our world.
Image Citation: Portrait of Francis Scott Key by Joseph Wood (c. 1821–1825), public domain. Alternative historical imagery includes public-domain paintings of the Bombardment of Fort McHenry and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine photographs from the U.S. National Park Service.