Who is credited with writing the "Star Spangled Banner"?

The "Star Spangled Banner" was written by Francis Scott Key. He composed the lyrics in 1814 after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. This event inspired him to write a poem originally titled "Defense of Fort McHenry," which would later be set to music and become the national anthem of the United States. Key's vivid imagery and emotional response to the sight of the American flag still flying after the battle captured the spirit of resilience and patriotism, securing his place in American history as the author of the anthem. The other figures mentioned, while significant in their own right, do not have a direct connection to the writing of the anthem. George M. Cohan is known for patriotic songs like "You're a Grand Old Flag," Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and John Philip Sousa is renowned for his marches, particularly the "Stars and Stripes Forever." None of their works pertain to the creation of the "Star Spangled Banner."