“Star Spangled Banner” autograph manuscript

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: GTM-1897

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Scope and Contents

“Star Spangled Banner,” autograph manuscript, signed by Francis Scott Key, Washington, D.C., August 29, 1842.

Dates

Creation: 1842

Creator

Key, Francis Scott, 1779-1843 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers are solely responsible for determining the copyright status of the materials being used, establishing who the copyright owner is, locating the copyright owner, and obtaining permission for intended use.

Historical Note

Key wrote this copy of the "Star Spangled Banner" one year before his death and sent it to Thomas Steven Espy. Very few manuscript copies of the national anthem have survived. Key wrote this copy long after he wrote the original song on September 14, 1814.

Extent

0.25 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Metadata Rights Declarations

License: This record is made available under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Creative Commons license.

Additional Description

Custodial History

The manuscript was sent to Fr. Gillespie at Georgetown University by Elizabeth McCalmont Espy Nunn. Gillespie then donated it in her name to what would become the Georgetown University Archives.