Columbia was a term taken from Columbus and often depicted America as an Indian Princess, often with severed heads and body parts and a very savage look.
Over time this morphed into Liberty, first becoming white and then becoming covered (no more bare breasts).
It is hard to do the talk justice as it was very much image based. I did remember a few points:
- Americas (North/South) one of four continents along with Africa, Europe and Asia
- Australia was 5th Continent
- Columbia represented a place
- Liberty represented an idea
- Cap referred to emancipation
- Trident symbol
- Pole holding cap
- Statue atop Capital was originally wearing a cap; changed to helmet and feathers
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