What is the title of the United States national anthem, officially adopted in 1931?

The Star-Spangled Banner is the United States national anthem, officially adopted in 1931.

The anthem's words come from a poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Key wrote the poem on September 14, 1814, after seeing the American flag still flying over the Baltimore fort at dawn. He titled the poem “Defence of Fort M'Henry.”

The lyrics were later set to the melody of a popular English drinking song called “To Anacreon in Heaven.” The song became increasingly popular during the nineteenth century, especially at military and public events. President Woodrow Wilson authorized its use at military ceremonies in 1916.

Congress made The Star-Spangled Banner the official national anthem on March 3, 1931, and President Herbert Hoover signed the legislation. The anthem is often confused with “America the Beautiful,” another patriotic song that is not the official national anthem.