the star spangled banner song written by

Despite its popularity, the song was not proclaimed America’s “National Anthem” until 1931 by President Herbert Hoover. Rechristened “The Star-Spangled Banner” within weeks, Key’s inspired words began appearing in newspapers across the country. Entitled “Defense of Fort McHenry,” the verse Key wrote was accompanied by a suggestion that it be set to the music of the well-known “Anacreontic Song,” written by English composer John Stafford Smith. This display of American strength inspired Keys to put pen to paper about the experience while still aboard the British vessel. The following morning they woke to see a massive American flag proudly waving from an undefeated American Fort McHenry. Right: The British Attack of Fort McHenry, Baltimore in 1812 / © Collection of the New-York Historical Society

Left: The Birth of the US National Anthem / Peter Newark American Pictures After gaining Beanes’s freedom, Key and Beanes had to anxiously watch the Battle of Fort McHenry from aboard the prisons of the British ship. Outraged, Kes boarded the British vessel holding his friend to act as his legal representation. William Beanes, had been arrested for allegedly aiding in the arrest of British soldiers. Key’s neighbor and prominent physician, Dr. This served to demonstrate the floundering American identity and strong anti-war sentiment held by a majority of the American public, including Francis Scott Key.Īugust 24, 1814, British troops had successfully torched the Capitol building and key government structures.

With opposition to the war focused heavily in the north, rumor spread that the Northeastern states should split from the Union to create their own distinct American nation. In June 1812, the Senate and House of Representatives voted by a slim margin to declare war on the British. Right: Home of Francis Scott Key, Georgetown, D.C / © Look and Learn Left: Francis Scott Key / Joseph Wood / © Walters Art Museum

The star spangled banner song written by