The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Julius Bellamy, a Baptist minister, in August 1892 for the magazine The Youth’s Companion. Over the years, Bellamy’s authorship has been confirmed by major historical institutions despite occasional disputes and alternative theories, including claims about other individuals or sources.

Authorship Details

• Francis Bellamy was recognized officially as the author by a committee of the U.S. Flag Association in 1939 and by the U.S. Library of Congress in 1957 after investigating rival claims.

• He intended the pledge as a unifying statement for schoolchildren across the nation during the Columbus Day celebrations in 1892.

Alternative Theories

• Some historians and researchers have raised the possibility that Frank E. Bellamy, a Kansas schoolboy, may have written an earlier version and that Francis Bellamy may have used or adapted this in his publication. However, the majority consensus and official records continue to credit Francis Bellamy.

Historical Context

• The pledge was created to foster patriotism and a sense of national unity, particularly among schoolchildren. Its wording and format have been revised several times since Bellamy’s original version.

In summary, Francis Bellamy is widely credited with writing the Pledge of Allegiance, though some debate continues in historical circles.