It was 200 years ago today (September 14th) that Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the song that became the US national anthem. For some great history on the piece, check out the Smithsonian's web exhibit here:
http://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/Key was inspired to write the famed anthem after he observed a large, 15-star US flag that was still flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor after the fort had been bombarded by the British for 25 hours.
The song was originally titled
The Defense of Fort McHenry and was to be sung to the tune of
To Anacreon in Heaven - a popular British song that was familiar to those in the recently independent US as well. The song was eventually renamed the Star-Spangled Banner and was officially made the US national anthem in 1931 when President Herbert Hoover signed a Congressional resolution into law.
Trivia Note: Most Americans are familiar only with the first verse of the song - it actually has four verses. Imagine the lengtheir version being sung before every baseball game!In 2012, the US Mint released a gold half eagle and a silver one dollar to commemorate the SSB. The coins were sponsored by the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and were officially issued "in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner."
The Commission sought the coins in advance of the 2014 bicentennial in order to raise funds to help stage the anniversary celebrations. Baltimore is currently in the midst of a week-long celebration of the anniversary with a free festival that has included concerts, an air show, a Tall Ships event and other events in and around the city's Inner Harbor. Of course, a spectacular fireworks show was also presented.
Here's to 200 more years!
2012 Star-Spangled Banner Gold Half Eagle - Obverse
2012 Star-Spangled Banner Gold Half Eagle - Reverse
2012 Star-Spangled Banner Silver Dollar - Obverse
2012 Star-Spangled Banner Silver Dollar - Reverse
Posted 09/14/2014 11:51 pm
