Welcome to Our Columbia
Our Columbia is an in-depth study of Columbia as both the original poetic name of our country and the female personification of the nation itself.
Many people are surprised to learn that for much of our history, the United States was widely referred to as Columbia. The name appeared throughout newspapers, songs, maps, institutions, political imagery, and public language as a distinct expression of the American nation and its people. From this national identity emerged Columbia the heroine: a symbolic figure who came to embody the ideals, struggles, and aspirations of the republic.
Close up of title page displays,
"United States of Columbia" as common knowledge, the original name for America. Cerca 1799
For centuries, nations around the world were personified as women; figures who embodied the spirit, strength, and unity of their people. For the United States, that figure was Columbia.
Columbia represented the very spirit of the American people: maternal, bold, and unafraid to challenge injustice. She stood for liberty and democratic ideals during an era when those ideals were constantly being tested. Through wars, revolutions, expansion, and political upheaval, Columbia appeared in paintings, sculpture, poetry, newspapers, and song as a guiding symbol of the republic. She was, in many ways, America’s original Lady Liberty.
Over time, Columbia’s image evolved. Her appearance and symbolism shifted with the artists who depicted her, the leaders of the era, and the historical moments unfolding around her. Yet despite once being deeply woven into American culture, her presence has largely faded from modern public memory.
This chronicle explores those deeper nuances: Columbia’s origins, her rise throughout U.S. culture, and her gradual disappearance from modern consciousness. It invites an important question: why is so little of this history remembered today?
Over time, her imagery diminished, her symbolism was reinterpreted, and even her name became increasingly disconnected from the national identity it once represented. We examine how one of our most recognizable cultural symbols quietly faded from public life, and ask whether this was simply the natural evolution of culture, or something more intentional.
When Columbia so clearly reflected the voice and will of the people, did she become an obstacle to those
in power?
The mission of Our Columbia is to educate and expand public understanding of how deeply the identity of Columbia was woven into American culture from the late 1600s through World War II. Just as importantly, we seek to reignite the memory of Columbia as a unifying national symbol: one that reflects our shared history, collective strength, and the enduring power of the people’s voice.
Through our research, and collection of original products and artwork, we invite you to explore the forgotten history of Columbia and ask yourself: where is she now?
The Timeline
Our timeline tracks, and documents, the history of 'Columbia' as the true identity of the country, and the female spiritual embodiment of the United States of North America - more specifically its people. We use this timeline to illustrate the vast scope of her appearances, depictions and events, from the first mention of the name, through 4 centuries, and up to the current year. It highlights Columbia's origin, ethical and political characteristics through the various artistic renditions from a variety of sources, such as; minted coins, sculptures, music, advertisements, illustrations, poetry and more.
The timeline also looks at physical locations that use the namesake, from large municipalities and districts, to small rural areas, bodies of water, commercial brands and more, all around the nation. This body of research includes reference links as available from certified and verified reputable sources. Due to the complexity, and deep roots of Columbia, we are consistently sorting through new information. New content is often added, as well as, existing content may be fine-tuned.
The First Voyages to the New World, the Americas
Did you know, the term, "America" actually means "New Lands" or "New World", and was not specific to just the U.S. region? Instead, America actually refers to the ENTIRE continent(s) of North America and South America combined. Did you also know research shows both continents were originally discovered by Amerigo Vaspucci, not Christopher Columbus? Only then, for the first time on a map, the land mass was drawn separate from Asia, and named "Americas", by early cartographer Martin Waldseemüller, Therefor, the land territories, in and around the current United States, were all called 'The Americas'. Why do we tell you all of this?
It's important to know, from the late 160o's till the late 1800's, over 200 years, what we think of as the "United States of America" was actually referred to as the new nation of "Columbia". Kings, Queens and other world leaders, early cartographers (Map Makers) and even our first President,
George Washington, called North America's U.S. territory, "Columbia".
Share her story without saying a word...
Our Columbia has a collection of unisex graphic tees where you’ll find images and designs that are easy to appreciate, with classic and contemporary styles. Featuring original art and cultural art that educates, as well as it represents. We have something for everyone!
We have a variety of graphics from real artists. Find traditional shirts, stylish logo t-shirts, and designs from the early years of Columbia, thru today.
Graphic t-shirts come in a range of colors and sizes. You can also make your point with a graphic hoodie, or sweatshirt, or tote bags, and more to choose from. Find authentic, historical styles to complement your appreciation for Columbia.
We also have a variety of exclusive collections including; Oil Paintings, Lithographs, Music Sheets and more. You’ll also find all of the up-and-coming designs in amazing styles. With a collection as cool as this, you’re sure to find the best patriotic graphics exclusively at Our Columbia.
Our Columbia is known for having the best graphic tees made here in the United States. Find out why when you shop our collections.
