May 1 Arts and Culture A Sportingly Brief History of “The Star Spangled Banner” The Early and Not-So-Early Years Birth of a Song: In 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote new lyrics for a popular song. World War I: Patriotic ceremonies were common at baseball games. Official, Take 1: In 1916, Woodrow Wilson decreed a presidential order that made the song the official anthem of the United States. The First: […] By Elizabeth Kramer May 1 Arts and Culture A Sportingly Brief History of “The Star Spangled Banner” Elizabeth Kramer