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Origins of the name -

Columbia is a Neo-Latin toponym (a place name) dating back to the 1730s. It was used to make reference to the Thirteen Colonies.

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Christopher Columbus -

It derives from the name of explorer Christopher Columbus. The Latin ending -ia, which is commonly used in the Latin names of countries (e.g. Britannia), is added to form Columbia.

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Early depictions of America -

Early female personifications of America made by Europeans date back to the 16th century. They’d often depict America with exotic elements, including animals, feathers, fruits, etc.

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Indigenous America -

These representations of the New World often appeared as topless indigenous women wearing signs of wealth, items such as gold.  

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America as Columbia -

It was not until 1775, when the Revolutionary War broke out, that African American poet Phillis Wheatley made a reference to Columbia in a letter to George Washington.

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Poem -

The poem read: “One century scarce perform'd its destined round, When Gallic powers Columbia's fury found; And so may you, whoever dares disgrace, The land of freedom's heaven-defended race! Fix'd are the eyes of nations on the scales, For in their hopes Columbia's arm prevails.”

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Appearance -

Columbia was originally depicted as a goddess-like woman. Her hair was often dark but after the Revolutionary War, Columbia was also shown with blonde hair.

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Goddess-like -

Columbia’s appearance was reminiscent of both the Roman goddess Minerva and the Greek goddess Athena. She was frequently depicted with goddess-like features.

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National symbols -

Being a personification of America, Columbia generally carried national symbols such as the American flag or the liberty cap.

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After independence -

After the independence of the United States the name Columbia became more prevalent, with cities, rivers, and universities adopting the name.

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Uncle Sam -

During the War of 1812, Columbia started to appear next to America’s popular symbol, Uncle Sam.

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Art -

In the 1800s and 1900s, the personification of America started to appear in a number of different contexts. Columbia was used in posters and cartoons, among other literature. Let's take a look at some great examples.

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Atlantic telegraph cable -

Here, Columbia and Britannia lay the Atlantic telegraph cable between Europe and America.

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War of 1812 -

Columbia, Napoleon, and John Bull (an alternative personification of Britain) in a satire on Anglo-American and Franco-American relations, by artist William Charles, 1813.

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Emancipation Proclamation -

A photographic print by George Gardner Fish depicts Columbia standing between two slaves and holding the Emancipation Proclamation.

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World War I recruitment poster -

Columbia in a US Army recruitment poster created by artists Frances Adams Halsted and Vincent Aderente. 

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President William McKinley -

An illustration of President William McKinley handling the reins of a carriage labelled "Administration" and carrying Columbia and Uncle Sam.

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Wake up, America! -

A World War I poster by James Montgomery Flagg for the Mayor's Committee (NYC), depicting Columbia sleeping.

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Columbia and Uncle Sam -

An illustration by Thomas Nast of Uncle Sam seated on the White House porch with Columbia standing in the doorway.

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Black vote -

This 1865 Thomas Nast cartoon depicts Columbia asking the government for black soldiers to be allowed to vote.

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Columbia and Britannia -

A 1898 poster used to promote the United States and Great Britain Industrial Exposition in the late 19th century. It features both American and British personifications, namely Columbia and Britannia, as well as Uncle Sam and John Bull.

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Apples -

An apple crate label for Columbia Belle featuring Columbia.  

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Enamel of America -

An advertising broadsheet for 'François Gregoire & Co.' circa 1866.  Columbia advertises "Enamel of America for beautifying and preserving the complexion."

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American Committee for Relief in the Near East -

Columbia can be seen in this American Committee for Relief in the Near East poster.

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Wounded in action -

Lady Columbia honors a World War I doughboy soldier who was wounded in action. 

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Columbia Records -

A Columbia Records phonograph cylinder package featuring Columbia. 

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Columbia and the Constitution -

Columbia in a certificate for a volunteer serving in the Union army in 1861. 

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America and Cuba -

A 1897 cartoon by Grant E. Hamilton shows Columbia reaching out to oppressed Cuba with a blindfolded Uncle Sam in background.

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Protecting minorities -

This 1871 Thomas Nast cartoon shows Columbia protecting a Chinese man from an a Irish lynch mob.

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Preserving food poster -

Columbia appeals to Americans in an effort to preserve food during Word War I. 

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Puck magazine -

The April 6, 1901, cover of Puck featuring Columbia wearing a "world power" warship as her Easter bonnet. 

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Sheet music -

The cover image of the sheet music for 'Hail, Columbia!' from 1898.

Sources: (Smithsonian) (Grunge) (Obscure Histories) 

See also: The most random things dubbed as "American" around the world

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