Which song became the official U.S. national anthem in 1931, a fact linked to America250 history?

“The Star-Spangled Banner” became the official U.S. national anthem in 1931.

The anthem’s lyrics come from “Defence of Fort M'Henry,” a poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. Key wrote the poem on September 14, 1814, during the War of 1812.

The melody was adapted from a tune attributed to English composer John Stafford Smith. The song became increasingly popular during the nineteenth century, but it was not legally designated as the national anthem until a congressional resolution signed by President Herbert Hoover on March 3, 1931.

The large flag flying over Fort McHenry inspired the song’s title. That flag had fifteen stars and fifteen stripes, representing the expanded United States of the period. “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” are patriotic songs often associated with national celebrations, but neither is the official national anthem.