March 3 in American History

March 3, 1931 — "The Star-Spangled Banner" becomes the national anthem

President Hoover signed the law officially making Francis Scott Key's song the national anthem — 117 years after Key wrote it watching Fort McHenry survive a British bombardment. It had been sung at ballgames and ceremonies for decades; Congress simply made official what the country had already decided.

Common Questions

What happened on March 3 in American history?

In 1931: "The Star-Spangled Banner" becomes the national anthem. President Hoover signed the law officially making Francis Scott Key's song the national anthem — 117 years after Key wrote it watching Fort McHenry survive a British bombardment.

Why is March 3 significant?

President Hoover signed the law officially making Francis Scott Key's song the national anthem — 117 years after Key wrote it watching Fort McHenry survive a British bombardment. It had been sung at ballgames and ceremonies for decades; Congress simply made official what the country had already decided.

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