Born in New York, author Francis Bellamy (1855–1931) is best known for writing the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States, which is recited in classrooms each day across the country. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester and later studied at the Rochester Theological Seminary. From 1880–91, Bellamy served as a Baptist minister before his liberal views on religion caused him to leave his position. He then moved to Boston, where he wrote for the Youth’s Companion magazine. In 1892, the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in America, Bellamy crafted the pledge of allegiance as a way to celebrate the holiday in the nation’s public schools. While the author of the pledge was disputed for many years, a committee from the United States Flag Association named Bellamy the author of the pledge in 1939 and the Library of Congress confirmed his identity in 1957.
Making American citizens through literature
Author: Francis Bellamy
Born in New York, author Francis Bellamy (1855–1931) is best known for writing the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States, which is recited in classrooms each day across the country. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester and later studied at the Rochester Theological Seminary. From 1880–91, Bellamy served as a Baptist minister before his liberal views on religion caused him to leave his position. He then moved to Boston, where he wrote for the Youth’s Companion magazine. In 1892, the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in America, Bellamy crafted the pledge of allegiance as a way to celebrate the holiday in the nation’s public schools. While the author of the pledge was disputed for many years, a committee from the United States Flag Association named Bellamy the author of the pledge in 1939 and the Library of Congress confirmed his identity in 1957.
Pledge of Allegiance
Francis Bellamy
On October 21, 1892, schools across the country celebrated Columbus Day, and with it inaugurated what would become the national Pledge of Allegiance. Written by Francis Bellamy (1855–1931), a Baptist minister, Christian Socialist, and an editor of The Youth’s Companion, the Pledge was to be used by schools at their flag-raising ceremonies.