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Line 1: − + + + + − Wheatley's poem was based heavily on classical Roman sources, which she used in translation, and as befits a model of [[Republicanism]], Columbia is garbed in Roman dress.<ref>Thomas J. Steele, "The Figure of Columbia: Phillis Wheatley plus George Washington," ''New England Quarterly,'' Vol. 54, No. 2 (Jun., 1981), pp. 264-266 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/364975 in JSTOR]</ref> + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − + + + + + + + + + + − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − The name without the image remains more common, as in the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) or in the space shuttle Columbia, which exploded on February 1, 2003. − [[File:Branded.jpg|thumb|320px|Columbia appears as "Public Opinion" who brands corrupt politicians in this ''Puck'' cartoon of Aug. 11, 1886]] + − + + + + + + + + + + +
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'''Columbia''' was a female figure who was common representation in art of the United States in the 19th century. The term derived of course from [[Christopher Columbus]]. It was introduced by black poet [[Phillis Wheatley]] (1753-1784) in her 1776 poem, "To His Excellency George Washington".<ref> Previous poems by others had used the term in the 1760s, but they were forgotten.</ref> Washington was impressed and asked to meet Wheatley. the term caught public fancy and many places were named after her, such as the [[District of Columbia]], [[Columbia University]], and the Colombia River.<Ref>British Columbia, part of Canada, is named after the river.</ref> Before Columbia came into wide use around 1790, America was often represented as an Indian princess, especially in European cartoons.
'''Columbia''' was a goddess-like female figure who was common representation in art of the United States, as The Goddess of Democracy. The Latin term derived of from [[Christopher Columbus]], "The lands of Columbus". Columbia is often a name of vessels used in exploration. She is seen as virtuous and protective, the symbol of American pride and progress. Miss Columbia has declined due to the [[Statue of Liberty]] having taken her place next to Uncle Sam.
Columbia was introduced by black poet Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) in her 1776 poem, "To His Excellency [[George Washington]]". <ref>Previous poems by others had used the term in the 1760s, but they were forgotten.</ref> Wheatley's poem was based heavily on classical Roman sources, which she used in translation, and as befits a model of [[Republicanism]], Columbia is garbed in Roman dress. Washington was impressed and asked to meet Wheatley. The term caught public fancy and many places in the Western Hemisphere were named after her, such as the [[District of Columbia]], [[Columbia University]], and the Colombia River.<Ref> In 1858, Queen Victoria named [[British Columbia]] part of Canada, named after its' Columbia River.</ref> Before Columbia came into wide use around 1790, America was often represented as an Indian princess, especially in European cartoons.
In 1792, a statue of Columbus was raised at Tammany Hall in New York City and an eloquent oration was delivered by Mr. John B. Johnson. A toast of honor was given, <ref>[http://www.millersville.edu/~columbus/data/art/WESTKLN1.ART Columbus and Columbia, Millersville.edu]</ref> ''"May the genius of liberty, as she has conducted the sons of Columbia with glory to the commencement of the fourth century, guard their fame to the end of time." ''
[[File:Columb1.jpg|thumb|430px|[[Thomas Nast]], the great cartoonist of the 1870s, often used Columbia to portray America. Here she is enslaved by taxes. ''Harper's Weekly'' Feb. 9, 1878]]
[[File:Columb1.jpg|thumb|430px|[[Thomas Nast]], the great cartoonist of the 1870s, often used Columbia to portray America. Here she is enslaved by taxes. ''Harper's Weekly'' Feb. 9, 1878]]
<ref>Thomas J. Steele, "The Figure of Columbia: Phillis Wheatley plus George Washington," ''New England Quarterly,'' Vol. 54, No. 2 (Jun., 1981), pp. 264-266 [http://www.jstor.org/stable/364975 in JSTOR]</ref>
In a 1872 painting by John Gast, American Progress, "Columbia" leads civilization to the westward frontier with American settlers. Columbia usually was disdainful of aristocracy and royalty, but was of mixed feelings about imperialism. [[File:Columbia4.jpg|thumb|320px|Columbia is a sailor in President [[William McKinley]]'s navy, and is trying on "world power" on April 6, 1901; the feather is smoke representing expansion into the Pacific and Caribbean]].
As an iconic image of [[America]], Columbia was commonly used in World War I, until displaced by the Statue of Liberty in the 1920s. By 1950, the image was much diluted, seen as antiquated and is seldom seen today. A Hollywood studio took the name "Columbia Pictures" in 1924 and still features Columbia's image at the start of its films; the studio is now owned by SONY of [[Japan]]. The name without the image remains more common, as in the Columbia Broadcasting System ([[CBS]]) or in the [[space shuttle]] Columbia, and Columbia Encyclopedia. Many cities attribute the name Columbia such as Columbia, South Carolina or the District of Columbia.
[[File:Branded.jpg|thumb|320px|Columbia appears as "Public Opinion" who brands corrupt politicians in this ''Puck'' cartoon of Aug. 11, 1886]]
==Miss Columbia of Wheatley's Poem==
One century scarce perform'd its destined round,
When Gallic powers Columbia's fury found;<br>
And so may you, whoever dares disgrace
The land of freedom's heaven-defended race!<br>
Fix'd are the eyes of nations on the scales,
For in their hopes Columbia's arm prevails.
==Hail Columbia==
Unofficial national anthem until the Star Spangled Banner. The song is still used today for the entrance of the Vice President. <ref>[http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08078/865947-42.stm Hail, Miss Columbia: Once a U.S. symbol, she's lost out to Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, Post-Gazette.com]</ref>
Columbia usually was disdainful of aristocracy and royalty, but was of mixed feelings about imperialism. [[File:Columbia4.jpg|thumb|320px|Columbia is a sailor in President [[William McKinley]]'s navy, and is trying on "world power" on April 6, 1901; the feather is smoke representing expansion into the Pacific and caribbean]] ]]
Hail, Columbia, happy land,
Hail, ye heroes, heav'n born band,
Who fought and bled in Freedom's cause,
Who fought and bled in Freedom's cause,
And when the storm of war was gone,
Enjoy'd the peace your valor won.
Let independence be our boast,
Ever mindful what it cost,
Ever grateful for the prize,
Let its alter reach the skies.
As an iconic image of America, Columbia was commonly used in World War I, but she was displaced by the [[Statue of Liberty]] in the 1920s, and is today seldom seen. A Hollywood studio took the name "Columbia Pictures" in 1924 and still features Columbia's image at the start of its films; the studio is now owned by SONY of Japan.
Firm, united let us be,
Rallying round our liberty,
As a band of brothers join'd
Peace and safety we shall find.
Sound, sound the trump of fame,
Let Washington's great fame
Ring through the world with loud applause,
Ring through the world with loud applause,
Let ev'ry clime to freedom dear,
Listen with a joyful ear,
With equal skill, with God-like pow'r
He governs in the fearful hour
Of horrid war, or guides with ease
The happier time of honest peace.
==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* Sheppard, Alice. ''Cartooning for Suffrage'' (1994) online at [[Questia]], discusses numerous cartoons featuring Columbia
* Sheppard, Alice. ''Cartooning for Suffrage'' (1994) online at [[Questia]], discusses numerous cartoons featuring Columbia
====References====
* "Columbus and Columbia: A Pictorial History of the Man and the Nation" (1893)
==See Also==
* [[Christopher Columbus]]
* [[Patriotism]]
* [[America]]
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Republicanism]]
[[Category:Republicanism]]