Karl Fisher, age 9, of Chattanooga, Tenn., for his question.

WHY DO SOME CALL AMERICA 'COLUMBIA'?

Before the Revolutionary War, Many people believed that America should have been named after Christopher Columbus. During the war, poets in 13 colonies used the name Columbia to describe the new nation that was to become the United States.

The name Columbia was first used by a black slave poetess in Massachusetts named Phillis Wheatley. In her poem she honored George Washington.

In 1784, King's College in New York City became Columbia College. Many towns, counties and institutions throughout the United States have since adopted the name.

Many artists have symbolically pictured Columbia as a tall, stately woman dressed in flowing gowns and holding an American Flag. A blue, flaglike drape with white stars is usually part of her costume.