The United States adopted “The Star-Spangled Banner” as its national anthem in 1931, a patriotic symbol linked to America250.
President Herbert Hoover signed the law making the song the official national anthem on March 3, 1931. The lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
Key’s poem, “Defence of Fort M'Henry,” was published in 1814 and was set to the melody of a pre-existing English song, “To Anacreon in Heaven.” The song became increasingly popular at official events before its legal designation.
The anthem’s official adoption came more than a century after the poem was written. “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful” are important patriotic songs, but neither is the national anthem.