United States
- Language
- English
- Anthem
- The Star-Spangled Banner
- Duration
- 1:18
- Status
- Today, "The Star-Spangled Banner" serves as the official national anthem of the United States, with only its first verse commonly performed.
United States National Anthem History
The Star-Spangled Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner originated as a poem written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, inspired by the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. It was later set to a popular British tune and officially adopted as the United States' national anthem in 1931.
United States
The Star-Spangled Banner
History timeline
-
1814
Francis Scott Key writes "Defense of Fort McHenry" after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry.
-
1814
The poem is quickly set to the popular British tune "The Anacreontic Song" and retitled "The Star Spangled Banner."
-
1889
The Secretary of the Navy designates it as the official tune for flag raisings.
-
1916
It is ordered for use at military and other official occasions.
-
1931
After a public campaign, Congress officially adopts "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the national anthem.
The tune for "The Star-Spangled Banner" was originally written for an 18th-century gentlemen's social club in London.