Who is
Columbia?
The History of America
Welcome to Our Columbia
For centuries, people around the world personified nations as women — symbols of strength and unity. For the United States, her name was Columbia.
Columbia was the very spirit of the American people — maternal, bold, and unafraid to challenge injustice. She proudly stood for liberty and democratic ideals at a time when those ideals were constantly being tested. Through wars, revolutions, and political upheaval, Columbia was there — depicted in paintings, sculpture, poetry, and song. She was the original Liberty. But over time, her presence in our society has all but faded away.
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Our Columbia is an in-depth study into this identity — both as our female personification and as the original name of our country: the United States of Columbia. You may be surprised to learn that for much of American history, the U.S. was widely known as Columbia, and Columbia the heroine was seen as its truest symbol.
Over the centuries, Columbia’s image evolved. Her features and symbolism shifted depending on who depicted her, which leaders were in power, and what historical moment was unfolding. This chronicle looks deeper into those nuances — her origins, her past, and her mysterious disappearance from our modern consciousness. And we invite you to ask: Why doesn’t our history speak of her anymore?
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The usage of her images were quietly distorted. Her name, abbreviated. Her influence, rewritten. Equally as important as her presence, is her absence. We'll also explore the disappearance of this national symbol, we ask: was this simply cultural evolution — or could it have been deliberate? With her voice so closely aligned to the people, and clearly reflective of their will, did Columbia become a threat to those in power?
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The mission of the Our Columbia website is to educate and expand understanding of just how deeply Columbia’s spirit was woven into American culture — from the late 1600s through World War II. Just as importantly, we seek to reignite her memory: a unifying figure who reminds us of our collective strength, shared history, and the enduring power of the people’s voice. We invite you to explore the rich, forgotten history of Our Columbia — and ask yourself:
where is she now?
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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 cultural art that educates, as well as it represents. We have something for everyone!
We have a variety of graphics from real artists just for you. Find traditional shirts, stylish logo t-shirts, and shirts 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.
