Which song became the U.S. national anthem in 1931, part of the national story commemorated by America250?

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

Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became the anthem after watching the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore on September 14, 1814. He saw the large American flag still flying over the fort and composed “Defence of Fort M’Henry.”

The lyrics were set to the melody of “The Anacreontic Song,” written by English composer John Stafford Smith. The song became increasingly popular during the nineteenth century, but it was not officially adopted as the national anthem until Congress passed a joint resolution in 1931. President Herbert Hoover signed the measure on March 4.

The poem has four stanzas, although public performances generally use only the first. “Hail, Columbia” and “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” had served as de facto patriotic anthems before the formal 1931 designation.