This year commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner, written on the night of Sept. 13, 1814, by Francis Scott Key. The accompanying infographic shows some key facts about the development of the poem that has become a key part of American culture.

To pay tribute to the occasion, composer John Williams conducted a new arrangement of the national anthem, featuring choirs, trumpets, an orchestra and cannons on the National Mall on the Fourth of July. Slate offers an interesting analysis on why it should not be the American national anthem — but always will be.