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"Racist Anthem" Mars Monument to Francis Scott Key

Smithsonian Magazine

BALTIMORE (AP) - The words "Racist Anthem" have been painted on a monument to the man who wrote the "Star-Spangled Banner."

The Baltimore Sun reported Wednesday that the words were written at the base of the Francis Scott Key monument in the city's downtown.

Besides the black lettering, it appeared to be splashed with red and black paint.

Police are investigating. But they have no suspects.

Key penned what is now the national anthem when he was being held captive by the British during the War of 1812.

The Sun reported that Key had a complex record on race. People have also stopped singing the third verse of his famous song.  

The verse claimed that the "foul footsteps" of slaves who fought for the British had polluted America.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.