Francis Scott Key Monument

The Francis Scott Key Monument is a bronze sculpture in Golden Gate Park featuring a seated figure of the songwriter with a travertine base, topped by a Columbia statue and four eagles at the corners. The work displays verses from the national anthem that Key composed after witnessing a significant historical moment.

Businessman James Lick commissioned sculptor William Wetmore Story to create this work in Rome starting in 1885, with completion following shortly after. Key himself became known in the early 1800s as a writer after witnessing a pivotal historical scene.

The monument displays text from The Star-Spangled Banner, written by Key after witnessing the American flag at Fort McHenry in 1814.

The monument sits in a public park that is free to walk through and easy to reach on foot. Visitors should expect variable weather and dress in layers, especially when exploring the broader park area.

After the monument was removed in 2020, over 300 new artworks were installed at the location to commemorate a lesser-known historical chapter. These contemporary works tell different stories and have permanently altered what the site represents.

Location: San Francisco

Creator: William Wetmore Story

GPS coordinates: 37.77126,-122.46664

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42