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“Hail, Columbia” was the unofficial national anthem of the United States from about
1800 until its replacement by an Act of Congress in 1931 by the “Star-Spangled
Banner.” Up until the 1890s "Hail, Columbia" was played as the de facto national
anthem of the United States. Columbia was the poetic name for the United States in
use during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The anthem was originally composed by Philip Phile in 1789 for the inauguration of
George Washington, titled “The President’s March.” It was later arranged with
lyrics by Joseph Hopkinson in 1798. The song is now used in the United States as
the official song for the Vice President, in a similar fashion as “Hail to the Chief” is
for the President. When played in honor of the Vice-President, the song is always
preceded by four “Ruffles and Flourishes.”
To listen to the song, go to YouTube and type in Hail Columbia, or type in this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es1xX1f1qJQ