The Making Of America The Beautiful: A Beloved National Song

America the Beautiful is a beloved national song in the United States. In fact, it is so well loved that visitors to one of the US’ most famous natural monuments, Pikes Peak, will find an excerpt of the song in homage to its composer, Samuel A. Ward, a choir director and church organist, and writer, Katherine Lee Bates, posted on a commemorative plaque to be read while viewing the purple mountains majesty and amber waves of grain. It is interesting to note that the two did not write the song together, nor did they even know each other.

In fact, Ms. Bates originally wrote the words the famous song as a poem named Pikes Peak as a celebration of our great nation. The words originally appeared in her church bulletin “The Congregationalist” on July 4, 1895 under the title “America”. Meanwhile, Mr. Ward had written the music in 1882. It was originally entitled “Materna” and intended to be used with the words of an existing hymn called “O Mother Dear, Jerusalem”. When Ms. Bates poem and Mr. Ward’s composition were combined, an unforgettable and cherished national song was born.

What inspired Katherine L. Bates to write the words to America the Beautiful?

In 1893, Chicago hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition. This was a fabulous display that was actually the predecessor for theme parks such as Disney Land. The White City, as it was called, was incredibly inspiring to the many thousands of people who visited it. Its exhibits and wonders gave Americans tremendous hope for a future of ease, plenty and joy. Katherine Bates was one of those visitors. In her poem, she wrote of the wonders displayed at the exhibition, the seemingly never-ending views of golden wheat fields seen from the window of her train on her trip to the eposition, and the majestic view from the apex of fabulous Zebulon’s Pikes Peak. When she visited the peak, the beautiful view and the many sights and sounds of her trip to the Columbian exposition began to culminate in the words that would become one of America’s most beloved songs, and she rushed back to her hotel room to begin writing. Two years later, her church bulletin published her poem to commemorate the 4th of July. The popular poem spread like wildfire, and within two decades, several versions of it had been published.

What inspired Samuel A. Ward to write the music for America the Beautiful?

It was obvious to all that the beautiful poem would make an excellent song, and many people tried to adapt the words to a variety of compositions. The one that finally won out and is still used today is a piece composed by Samuel A. Ward. Much like Ms. Bates experience, Mr. Ward was struck by sudden inspiration after visiting an American icon. He took a trip to Coney Island by ferry in 1882. After spending the day enjoying this early theme park, Mr. Ward ferried back to New York City. On the way he was struck with a tune that he intended to use with the words for an existing hymn entitled “O Mother Dear, Jerusalem”. He intended to retitle this song as “Materna”. Like Ms. Bates, Mr. Ward was so suddenly struck with inspiration that he couldn’t wait to get his thoughts down. Legend has it he jotted his original notes on his hapless traveling companion’s shirtsleeve while still on the ferry! Ward was never to know that his music was coupled with Ms. Bates lyrics. He died in 1903, and the words and music were initially combined in 1904.

Is America the Beautiful an official American song?

Although many attempts have been made, America the Beautiful has never attained the official status of the Star Spangled Banner as a national anthem. Nonetheless, this melodic, easily sung and highly adaptable piece of music holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. Surely, this hopeful and forward looking song will continue to hold America’s beacon aloft as we continue to strive to crown our good with brotherhood across our great nation and around the world.

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