When Was the Star Spangled Banner Written
The Star Spangled Banner was written on September 14, 1814. Francis Scott Key composed the poem after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The song later became the U.S. national anthem.
From Poem to Official Anthem
Key’s poem was set to the tune of a popular British song and spread widely in the 19th century. On March 3, 1931, Congress passed a law making it the official national anthem of the United States.
Why the Date Matters for Understanding U.S. Identity
The 1814 date marks a moment of national resilience during the War of 1812. The anthem’s words reflect the survival of the American flag after a night of heavy fighting. Its adoption in 1931 formalized a symbol that still represents U.S. history today.
For more background, see the Library of Congress overview of the Star Spangled Banner at https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/september-14/.
