"Columbia The Gem of The Ocean" was initially published in 1843 under the title "Columbia The Land Of The Brave". It got its lasting title when it was republished in 1844. The song was also known as "Red White And Blue". Credit for the song is somewhat confused. The original publication credited a singer-actor, David T Shaw. Later the arranger, Thomas A Beckett of Philadelphia claimed he was the real composer. In the same decade it was also claimed in England as a British composition with words by Stephen Meany, and Irishman, and music by Thomas Williams, and Englishman. However, the earliest publications of the song in England in the late 1840's and early 1850's did not mention either Meany or Williamson. The British versions were titled variously, "Britannia The Gem Of The Ocean", "Britannia The Pride of The Ocean", "The Pride of the Ocean" and "The Red, White And Blue". I don'tthink it has been established which of these accounts, and hence composers is the real one.

rich r