Francis Scott Key PORTRAYED BY DOUG THOMAS
Maryland born Lawyer and author Francis Scott Key was engaged in negotiations regarding the release of American soldiers aboard the HMS Tonnant during the Battle of Baltimore. After dinner aboard the ship. Key was refused permission to leave in order to return to his own ship because it was believed that he had attained specific knowledge about the British fleet's position and strength. Thus being stranded, he was unable to do anything but watch, as the British began their assault on Fort McHenry in September of 1814. While returning to Baltimore, the images of the battle still fresh in his mind, he penned the poem "Defense of Fort McHenry" which later became adopted as our National Anthem in 1916.
Doug Thomas: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator