Episode 207: The Star-Spangled Spirit of Charleston

Charleston Time Machine - A podcast by Nic Butler, Ph.D. - Fridays

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History

The words of “The Star-Spangled Banner” were written in 1814, but the “Anacreontic” tune used for our national anthem was well-known in Charleston decades earlier. This blending of elements old and new was critical to the success of the patriotic anthem and reflects the cosmopolitan spirit in which Charleston audiences received it more than two centuries ago.