The lyricist of U.S. patriotism was a defender of slavery and an enemy of free speech.
The intertwining lives of three men in 19th century Washington, D.C. shed light on the complex and contradictory attitudes towards slavery and freedom in the United States. Francis Scott Key, known for penning “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Beverly Randolph Snow, an Epicurean chef of mixed-race heritage, and John Arthur Bowen, a 19-year-old slave, found their paths crossing in a time of social upheaval and political turmoil.
Key, a scion of Maryland’s slave-holding aristocracy, held the prestigious position of district attorney in Washington, D.C. Snow, an enterprising chef who had purchased his freedom, operated the renowned “National Restaurateur,” a hub for politicians, lawyers, and businessmen. Bowen, charged with attempted murder by Key in 1835, became embroiled in events that would come to be known as the “Snow Riot” or “Snow Storm.”
The 1830s saw a growing movement for the immediate abolition of slavery, leading to widespread social unrest and violence. Key, a politically ambitious and religiously observant figure, was central to these turbulent times. His prosecution of Bowen and involvement in the “Snow Storm” reflected the deep-seated divisions within American society regarding slavery and freedom.
The events surrounding Bowen’s alleged attack on Mrs. Thornton, the subsequent manhunt, and the targeting of Snow by white rioters underscored the volatile atmosphere of the era. While Key sought to maintain law and order in support of slavery, the anti-slavery movement gained momentum, challenging established notions of property rights and citizenship.
The trial of Reuben Crandall, a New York doctor who brought abolitionist pamphlets to Washington, further exemplified the clash of ideas and rights in the mid-1830s. The anti-slavery movement’s call for the abolition of slavery in the nation’s capital garnered significant support, culminating in widespread petitions and public sentiment against the institution of slavery.
Key’s efforts to discredit the antislavery movement ultimately faltered, as evidenced by Crandall’s acquittal and the growing momentum of abolitionist sentiments. Despite his staunch opposition to the antislavery movement, Key’s later resignation from his position as district attorney and his advocacy of African colonization reflect the complexities and contradictions of the time.
The legacy of these events resonates in the broader historical narrative of the United States, highlighting the enduring struggle to reconcile the ideals of freedom and bravery with the realities of slavery and social injustice. The intricate interplay of individuals such as Key, Snow, and Bowen is a poignant reminder of the challenges inherent in striving for a more just and equitable society.
As the nation continues to grapple with issues of racial inequality and social justice, the lessons from the lives and intersecting paths of these three men offer valuable insights into the complexities of American history and the ongoing pursuit of a “land of the free and home of the brave.”