The story of our National Anthem begins during the War of 1812, a large-scale conflict between the United States and Great Britain following widespread maritime trade interference by the British, primarily in the form of impressment. The war, which spanned nearly three years, entailed numerous significant battles both on land and at sea including the Battle of Baltimore; a major turning point in favor of the American forces. On September 12, 1814, just weeks after capturing and burning Washington, D.C., thousands of British troops landed to attack the nation’s third-largest city, including Fort McHenry, which served as Baltimore’s main access point by sea. The Royal Navy bombed the fort for more than 24 hours, lighting the sky with rockets aimed at the American defenses.
As the barrage on Baltimore raged on, a young lawyer by the name of Francis Scott Key found himself aboard a Royal Navy ship, negotiating the release of an American prisoner of war. That night, while still aboard, Key was awestruck; seeing an American flag, known as the “Star-Spangled Banner,” still flying over the fort despite hours of ruthless bombardment.
The following morning, September 14, Key rose to find the flag once illuminated by explosions still standing tall. An amateur poet, Key’s budding skills and inspired heart led him to pen a poem that captured the emotions he, and likely many others, felt while watching the indomitable flag and spirit of America hold strong amidst the conflict.
Key initially titled the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” and saw his writing gain widespread popularity quickly. Just as the flag stood as a symbol of defiance against tyranny, so did his poem which was set to the tune of the famous British song “To Anacreon in Heaven.” While the British song had no ties to war, and was actually sung most commonly in pubs, the melodic tune was now most closely associated with American bravery and adeptness in battle.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” remained a symbol of bravery and perseverance in the years that followed and was played at a number of significant future events, most notably, when the American flag was raised at Fort Sumter in 1861 which marked the beginning of the Civil War. By the 1890’s, the song began being used for ceremonial purposes and, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed an executive order designating it “the national anthem of the United States.” On March 3, 1931, after years of calls to honor the iconic song, the Star-Spangled Banner finally earned its stripes when President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional act which made the song our nation’s official national anthem.
Today, “The Star-Spangled Banner” still stands as a reminder of our nation’s proficiency in battle and passion for freedom. The timeless ode to our victory at Fort McHenry, and the ultimate sacrifices made by American troops, still encapsulates our nation’s distinction as the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The following morning, September 14, Key rose to find the flag once illuminated by explosions still standing tall. An amateur poet, Key’s budding skills and inspired heart led him to pen a poem that captured the emotions he, and likely many others, felt while watching the indomitable flag and spirit of America hold strong amidst the conflict.
Key initially titled the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” and saw his writing gain widespread popularity quickly. Just as the flag stood as a symbol of defiance against tyranny, so did his poem which was set to the tune of the famous British song “To Anacreon in Heaven.” While the British song had no ties to war, and was actually sung most commonly in pubs, the melodic tune was now most closely associated with American bravery and adeptness in battle.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” remained a symbol of bravery and perseverance in the years that followed and was played at a number of significant future events, most notably, when the American flag was raised at Fort Sumter in 1861 which marked the beginning of the Civil War. By the 1890’s, the song began being used for ceremonial purposes and, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed an executive order designating it “the national anthem of the United States.” On March 3, 1931, after years of calls to honor the iconic song, the Star-Spangled Banner finally earned its stripes when President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional act which made the song our nation’s official national anthem.
Today, “The Star-Spangled Banner” still stands as a reminder of our nation’s proficiency in battle and passion for freedom. The timeless ode to our victory at Fort McHenry, and the ultimate sacrifices made by American troops, still encapsulates our nation’s distinction as the land of the free and the home of the brave.