Battle Hymn of the Republic

The Battle Hymn of the Republic is an American abolitionist hymn. The lyrics were written by Julia Ward Howe in November 1861 and first published in The Atlantic Monthly in February 1862. It became popular during the American Civil War. The tune was written around 1855 by William Steffe. The first known lyrics were called "Canaan's Happy Shore" or "Brothers, Will You Meet Me?" and the song was sung as a campfire spiritual. The tune spread across the United States, gaining a reputation as the best song of its time. It is illustrated by a lithograph of the Battle of Vicksburg in the American Civil War - There is a border around the image. Image size is correct. Many sizes available.