Columbia facts for kids

For the country in South America, see Colombia.

Columbia is a name that has been used for the United States itself, especially in a poetic way. It's like a personification of America, often shown as a female figure. This name has inspired many places, companies, and other things around the world.

What Does "Columbia" Mean?

The name "Columbia" comes from Christopher Columbus, the explorer. It became a popular way to refer to the Americas or the United States in the 18th century. People often used it in poems, songs, and art to represent the spirit of the new nation.

Places Named Columbia

Many places in North America are named Columbia. This shows how important the name was in the early days of the United States and Canada.

Major Regions and Cities

• British Columbia: This is a large province in Canada. It's named after the Columbia River and the idea of Columbia as a symbol for North America.
• District of Columbia: This is where the capital city of the United States, Washington, D.C., is located. The district itself is named Columbia.
• Columbia River: A very important river in the Pacific Northwest of North America. It flows through Canada and the United States.
  • Upper Columbia United Tribes: These are Native American groups who live near the Columbia River.
• Columbia, South Carolina: This is the capital city of the state of South Carolina.
• Columbia, Missouri: A well-known city in Missouri, home to the University of Missouri.
• Columbia, Maryland: A planned community in Maryland.
• Columbia, California: A historic town in California.
• Columbia, Tennessee: A city in Tennessee.

Mountains and Glaciers

• Mount Columbia (Colorado): A tall mountain in the state of Colorado.
• Mount Columbia (Alberta): Another high mountain, located in Alberta, Canada.
• Columbia Glacier (Alaska): A large glacier in Alaska.
• Columbia Icefield: A huge area of ice and glaciers in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada.

Well-Known Companies and Brands

The name Columbia is also used by many famous companies. These businesses often chose the name to represent quality or American heritage.

• CBS: This stands for Columbia Broadcasting System. It's a major television and radio network.
• Columbia Pictures: A famous movie studio that has made many popular films.
• Columbia Records: One of the oldest and largest record labels in the world, known for many famous musicians.
• Columbia Sportswear: A company that makes outdoor clothing and gear.
• Columbia University Press: A publisher connected to Columbia University.

Education and Learning

Several important educational institutions use the name Columbia.

• Columbia University: A very famous university located in New York City. It is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the United States.
• Columbia College: There are several colleges with this name across the U.S.
• Columbia Theological Seminary: A school for religious studies.

Technology and Vehicles

The name Columbia has also been given to important technology and vehicles.

• Columbia (supercomputer): A very powerful computer used by NASA for scientific research.
• Space shuttle Columbia: One of NASA's space shuttles. Sadly, it broke apart during reentry in 2003.
• Apollo 11 Command/Service Module: This was the part of the Apollo 11 spacecraft that carried the astronauts to the Moon and back. It was named Columbia.
• USS Columbia: Several ships in the United States Navy have been given this name.
• HMS Columbia: Many ships in the Royal Navy (British Navy) have also used this name.

Songs About Columbia

The name Columbia appears in several historical and popular songs.

• "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean": A patriotic song that was once very popular in the U.S.
• "Hail, Columbia": This song is currently the official anthem for the Vice President of the United States. It was also an early national anthem.
• "Roll On, Columbia, Roll On": A folk song written by Woody Guthrie in 1941 about the Columbia River.

Other Uses of Columbia

• Columbia (supercontinent): In geology, this is the name given to an ancient supercontinent that existed billions of years ago.

Related Pages

• Columbiad: A type of large cannon used in the 19th century.
• Niobium: An element that was once called Columbium.
• Columba (constellation): A small constellation in the night sky.
• Saint Columba: An Irish saint from the 6th century.