Hail, Columbia

"Hail, Columbia" is an American patriotic song and ceremonial entrance march of the Vice President of the United States. It was originally considered to be one of the unofficial national anthems of the United States. Columbia is the name of the national personification of the United States which originated during the 18th century.

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, and was used to signal the arrival of the President.