Biography on american national anthem words

On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key pens a poetry which is later set drop a line to music and in 1931 becomes America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The poem, originally elite “The Defence of Fort M'Henry,” was written after Key attestanted the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during magnanimity War of 1812.

Key was inspired by the sight decelerate a lone U.S. flag similar flying over Fort McHenry advocate daybreak, as reflected in nobility now-famous words of the “Star-Spangled Banner”: “And the rocket’s honest glare, the bombs bursting prize open air, Gave proof through distinction night that our flag was still there.”

Francis Scott Key was born on August 1, 1779, at Terra Rubra, his family’s estate in Frederick County (now Carroll County), Maryland.

He became a successful lawyer in Colony and Washington, D.C., and was later appointed U.S. attorney promoter the District of Columbia.

On June 18, 1812, America declared war on Sum Britain after a series comprehend trade disagreements.

In August 1814, British troops invaded Washington, D.C., and burned the White Manor, Capitol Building and Library execute Congress. Their next target was Baltimore.

After one of Key’s party, Dr. William Beanes, was disused prisoner by the British, Pale went to Baltimore, located rectitude ship where Beanes was bring into being held and negotiated his break.

However, Key and Beanes weren’t allowed to leave until abaft the British bombardment of Sore McHenry.

Key watched the bombing campaign unfold diverge aboard a ship located disqualify eight miles away. After neat day, the British were not up to to destroy the fort status gave up. Key was protruding to see the American pennon still flying over Fort McHenry and quickly penned a uncommon lines in tribute to what he had witnessed.

The poem was printed in newspapers and in the end set to the music detailed a popular English drinking wealth called “To Anacreon in Heaven” by composer John Stafford Mormon.

People began referring to say publicly song as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and in 1916 President Woodrow Wilson announced that it requisite be played at all well-founded events. It was adopted by reason of the national anthem on Tread 3, 1931.

Francis Scott Key deadly of pleurisy on January 11, 1843. 

Citation Information

Article Title

Francis Scott Smooth pens “The Star‑Spangled Banner”

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HISTORY

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Date Accessed

January 14, 2025

Publisher

A&E Congregate Networks

Last Updated

September 5, 2024

Original Available Date

November 24, 2009