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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Landmarks

Francis Scott Key Memorial

A serene Georgetown park featuring a bronze bust and a 15-star replica flag, honoring the author of the U.S. national anthem near his former residence.

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Francis Scott Key Memorial
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Where is the Francis Scott Key Memorial located?

The memorial is located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., at the intersection of 34th and M Streets NW. It sits adjacent to the C&O Canal Towpath and overlooks the Potomac River at the Key Bridge entrance to the city.

What are the hours of the memorial?

The memorial is open year-round from dawn to dusk.

What is the Francis Scott Key Memorial known for?

It commemorates Francis Scott Key's legacy as the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner." The site features a bronze bust of Key, interpretive exhibits, and a replica of the 15-star, 15-stripe flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814.

What does the memorial look like?

The memorial features a brownstone and brick plaza with a limestone pergola draped in wisteria. It also includes a bronze bust of Key by sculptor Betty Mailhouse Dunston and a 60-foot flagpole.

What is the history of the site?

Francis Scott Key and his family lived in a house near the site from approximately 1805 to 1830. The current memorial was built by the Francis Scott Key Foundation and donated to the National Park Service in 1993.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Located at 34th and M Streets NW in the Georgetown neighborhood, the Francis Scott Key Memorial is a formal park dedicated to the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner." The site is particularly significant as Francis Scott Key and his family lived in a house near this location from approximately 1805 to 1830. While a house once stood on the site, it was dismantled in 1947 to make way for the construction of the Whitehurst Freeway. The memorial's design centers on a brownstone and brick plaza. This area features a limestone pergola draped in wisteria and a bronze bust of Key sculpted by Betty Mailhouse Dunston. Visitors can also find interpretive wayside exhibits that explain Key's life and the history of the poem he penned in 1814, which was later set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven" and became the national anthem in 1931. Adding to the patriotic atmosphere, the park features a 60-foot flagpole flying a 15-star, 15-stripe replica of the flag that flew over Fort McHenry. The park is surrounded by magnolia trees and formal perennial gardens, offering a peaceful retreat. The site was built by the Francis Scott Key Foundation and donated to the National Park Service in 1993, and it is currently administered as part of Rock Creek Park, though it is not contiguous with the main park area.

Visitor tips

  • The memorial is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
  • Combine this visit with a walk along the adjacent C&O Canal Towpath.
  • Look for the wisteria blooms on the limestone pergola during the spring.

Nearby context

The memorial is situated in the historic Georgetown neighborhood, occupying a prominent overlook site between M Street and the C&O Canal. It sits near the Key Bridge entrance to Washington, D.C., providing scenic views of the Potomac River.

Sources

Evidence and links