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"Hail, Columbia" is an American patriotic song that is the ceremonial entrance march of the Vice-President of the United States.
It was previously considered, with several other songs, one of the unofficial national anthems of the United States until 1931, when "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially named the national anthem. Columbia is a poetic name for the United States in use during the 18th century.
History
The music was composed by Philip Phile in 1789 for the first inauguration of George Washington and titled "The President's March." It became the song "Hail, Columbia" when arranged with lyrics by Joseph Hopkinson in 1798. The song was used in the United States as a de facto national anthem for most of the 19th century, but lost popularity after World War I when it was replaced by "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1931.
It was the anthem for the President until it was replaced by the song "Hail to the Chief".
It is now the official Vice Presidential anthem. When played in honor of the Vice President, the song is always preceded by four ruffles and flourishes. In addition, the song has been used as a slow march during military ceremonies, often while the band counter-marches.
The song is not to be confused with "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean", nor with "Stand Columbia", the alma mater of Columbia University.