TRIVIAL PURSUITS: What Was the Star-Spangled Banner's Original Name?
September 13, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - You have perhaps heard that the music to which Francis Scott Key’s poem was set was a popular English drinking tune.
But what name did he give his poem?
Answer: “The Defence of Fort McHenry”
The poem was written after Key witnessed Fort Henry being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry at daybreak, as reflected in the now-famous words of the “Star-Spangled Banner”.
Extra credit: What was that name of the “popular English drinking tune?”
Extra credit: What was that name of the “popular English drinking tune?”
Answer: "To Anacreon in Heaven" by John Stafford Smith.
People began referring to the song as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and in 1916 President Woodrow Wilson announced that it should be played at all official events. It was adopted as the national anthem on March 3, 1931.
You can hear a version of that "popular English drinking tune" at https://si-interactive.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/plansponsor-com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/25041448/NewsStory.aspx_.jpg?id=6442472332&page=3
« What is Required in the Summary of Benefits and Coverage? Part II