The Star-Spangled Banner's surprising origins

The Star-Spangled Banner, the beloved national anthem of the United States, has a surprising and colorful history. Recently performed by The Chicks at the Democratic National Convention, it is a song that holds great significance for Americans. Let's dive into the origins and evolution of this iconic anthem. The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812. Key, a lawyer and amateur poet, penned the poem titled "Defense of Fort M'Henry" after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor. Inspired by the resilience of the Americans who defended the fort, Key set his words to the tune of a popular British song called "To Anacreon in Heaven." The poem was initially printed in newspapers and quickly gained popularity throughout the nation. It struck a chord with Americans who were proud of their country and its flag. In October 1814, it was set to music and officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States. Despite its eventual recognition as the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner did not become an integral part of American culture right away. It took several decades for the song to gain widespread recognition and be performed at official events. In fact, it was not until the late 19th century that it started to be played before sporting events. In 1889, the Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin F. Tracy, issued an order that made it mandatory