Columbia Rediviva facts for kids
Columbia Rediviva (often called Columbia) was an important American ship. It was owned by private people, not the government. This ship is famous for its trips to the Pacific Northwest. It was looking for animal furs to trade. The word "Rediviva" means "revived" in Latin. This part was added to its name after the ship was rebuilt in 1787. Since Columbia was privately owned, it did not have the "USS" title like Navy ships.
Columbia heeling as she approaches a squall. Drawing by George Davidson in 1793, who served as the ship's artist.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Name | Columbia |
| Owner | Joseph Barrell |
| Builder | James Briggs |
| Laid down |
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| Launched | |
| Decommissioned | October 15, 1806 |
| Renamed | Columbia Rediviva |
| Nickname(s) | Columbia |
| Fate | salvaged |
| Notes | First US ship to circumnavigate the globe |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Full-rigged ship |
| Tons burthen | 213 bm |
| Length | 83 ft 6 in (25.45 m) on deck. |
| Beam | 24 ft 2 in (7.37 m) |
| Draught | 11 ft (3.4 m) |
| Propulsion | sail |
| Sail plan | three-masted ship (foremast, mainmast, mizzenmast) |
| Complement | 16-18 minimum and 30-31 maximum |
| Armament | 10 cannons, 2 heavy stern chaser guns, 4 heavy and 4 lighter broadside guns. |
Contents
History of the Columbia Ship
The Columbia ship was built in the late 1700s. Some say it was built in 1773 in Norwell, Massachusetts. Others believe it was built in 1787 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
In 1790, the Columbia made history. It became the first American ship to sail all the way around the world. This is called circumnavigation. For part of this journey, another ship called Lady Washington sailed with it. The Lady Washington helped the Columbia as a smaller support ship.
In 1792, Captain Robert Gray was in charge of the Columbia. He sailed into a large river on the west coast of North America. He named this river the Columbia River after his ship. This river and the land around it then gave its name to the surrounding area. Later, this area became part of the Canadian province of British Columbia.
The Columbia ship was taken out of service in 1806. Its parts were used for other things. Today, you can see a copy of the Lady Washington ship. It is located at Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Aberdeen, Washington.
Important Officers on the Columbia
Many brave sailors worked on the Columbia. Here are a few important officers:
- Simeon Woodruff: He was the first mate under Captain John Kendrick. He was the only person on the first voyage who had been to the Pacific Ocean before. He had sailed with Captain James Cook.
- Joseph Ingraham: He was also a first mate under Captain Kendrick. Later, he became a captain of his own ship. His ship competed with the Columbia in the fur trade.
- Robert Haswell: He was the first mate under Captain Robert Gray during the second trip to the Pacific Northwest.
- John Kendrick Jr.: He was an officer under his father, Captain John Kendrick. In 1789, he left the Columbia to join the Spanish Navy.
The Columbia's Lasting Legacy
The name Columbia has been used for many important things. It shows how much this ship meant to American history.
- Theme Park Ship: In 1958, a full-size copy of the Columbia ship opened at Disneyland. It is called "Sailing Ship Columbia" and sails on the "Rivers of America". Inside the ship, you can see old sailing tools from the 1700s.
- Moon Mission: In July 1969, the name Columbia was used again. It was given to the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia. This was the spacecraft that took the first humans to the Moon!
- Space Shuttle: In 1981, NASA used the name for the Space Shuttle Columbia. This was a famous space shuttle that flew many missions into space.
See also
In Spanish: Columbia Rediviva para niños
