The U.S. Library of Congress serves as the principal research hub for "The Star-Spangled Banner," preserving a rich collection of historical documents and musical arrangements related to the national anthem.
Francis Scott Key penned the poem "Defence of Fort M‘Henry" in September 1814, inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after a British bombardment. He envisioned it set to the tune of "Anacreon in Heaven," and it later became known as "The Star-Spangled Banner," officially recognized as the national anthem in 1931.
The Library's Music Division became a world-class research center thanks to Oscar G. Sonneck, who, hired in 1902, transformed its collection and published an influential report on patriotic songs. This led to the acquisition of hundreds of items related to the anthem.
Among its treasures, the division holds the first printed lyrics and sheet music of "Anacreon," Key's own copy of the song, and the first sheet music setting Key's lyrics to "Anacreon" under the anthem's current title. A standout is the first printing of Key's poem, a broadside issued days after its composition, one of only two known to survive.
Renowned composer Igor Stravinsky created a heartfelt orchestral arrangement of the anthem in 1941 as a gesture of gratitude to his new homeland, America, after fleeing Europe. He explained to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, "It is a desire to do my bit in the grievous times toward fostering and preserving the spirit of patriotism in this country that inspires me to tender this my humble work to you as President of this Great Republic and to the American People."
Despite controversy from a music organization officer who warned Roosevelt against Stravinsky's "mutilated version," the arrangement was performed by the Los Angeles WPA Symphony. Stravinsky and the WPA later gifted his draft letter and manuscript to the Library in 1942, further enriching its collection.
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is notably the only national anthem that traditionally ends in a question mark, inviting continued participation in American democracy.