who create the star spangled banner song

Who Created the Star-Spangled Banner Song?

The United States national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, is one of the most recognizable songs in the world. Its creation is often attributed to Francis Scott Key, a Maryland lawyer and amateur poet, who wrote the lyrics after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Navy during the War of 1812. However, what many people may not know is that Key was inspired to write the song by another individual, William Beanes, a respected physician and Revolutionary War veteran from Upper Marlboro.

Dr. Beanes was a well-known figure in the Washington region for his medical skills and his bravery during the war. After the British invasion of Washington, DC, Beanes took it upon himself to arrest several stragglers who were looting the area. His actions did not go unnoticed by the British, and he was eventually arrested and taken aboard a British ship.

As Dr. Beanes was being held captive, Francis Scott Key, who had gone to negotiate his release, watched in awe as the British fleet bombarded Fort McHenry for 25 hours straight. The bombardment was intense, with rockets and bombs raining down on the fort, but despite the fierce attack, the American flag still waved proudly above the fort.

According to Key, it was during this moment of deliverance and joyful triumph that he was inspired to write a song in honor of his country. He later wrote: 'Then, in that hour of deliverance, and joyful triumph, the heart spoke and, Does not such a country, and such defenders of their country, deserve a song?'

Key's song, which eventually became known as the Star-Spangled Banner, was set to the tune of a popular British song at the time, 'To Anacreon in Heaven.' The lyrics were a tribute to the bravery and resilience of the American people during the war, and they have since become an iconic symbol of American patriotism.

While Francis Scott Key is often credited with writing the Star-Spangled Banner, it was actually William Beanes who inspired him to do so. Without Dr. Beanes' courageous actions and his subsequent arrest by the British, the song may never have been written. As such, Dr. Beanes deserves recognition as a key figure in the creation of America's national anthem.

Who create the star spangled banner song